Following a management shake-up at General Motors in the wake of Fritz Henderson’s surprise resignation, GM’s new CEO Ed Whitacre took to the Web to answer questions from the press regarding new vehicles and recent changes.
As Whiteacre assumed the role of leading the GM behemoth, he wasted little time making what he saw as necessary management changes, including the promotion of Mark Reuss to North American president and Susan Docherty to VP of sales and marketing. Whitacre also announced that vice chairman Bob Lutz would assume an advisory role.
During the Web chat, the press had the opportunity to get to know Whitacre just a little bit more, especially considering that this has been one of his few media interactions since coming to GM. Despite assuming the helm only days ago, Whitacre made it very clear that he’s in control. With no intention of hiring a COO, the executive management at GM will no doubt be under a tight leash moving forward.
With the “New GM” still getting off the ground after emerging from bankruptcy, it certainly is not a convenient time for a management shake-up. Regardless, there still is positive news. First, no additional job cuts are planned, and secondly GM has new cars such as the Chevrolet Cruze and the plug-in electric Volt that has received plenty of attention following their debuts at the LA Auto Show.
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