Come September 1, General Motors will have itself a new chief executive officer in Dan Akerson, who will succeed current CEO Ed Whitacre. But unlike Whitacre, Akerson plans to shop for houses in metro Detroit, which means that he’s planning on staying a while as The General’s chief, bringing long-term stability to GM management.

Akerson, who will be GM’s fourth CEO in less than two years, will move from his McLean, VA home to make the metro Detroit area his primary residence. This is in grave contrast to Whitacre, who stayed in an apartment at the Westin Book Cadillac hotel and commuted from his home in San Antonio, TX.

Whitacre spent 10 months as CEO and – after two consecutive quarterly profits – believes that his job is done. Not only is Akerson tasked with continuing GM on a path toward profitable growth, but the private equity executive will also oversee GM’s Initial Public Offering – expected late this year.

Akerson will serve as CEO while GM continues to develop internal candidates for the position, such as president of GM North America Mark Reuss.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]