General Motors Appoints New VP Of Global Human Resources

General Motors has appointed Melissa Howell as Vice President, Global Human Resources effective February 19, 2013. Howell, 46, brings over two decades of experience in GM Human Resources, having worked to support Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Corporate Staffs, and Manufacturing Engineering. She also supervised key assignments in Europe, Asia, and North America.

“Melissa’s global experience, relationships and knowledge of the business will serve her well in leading GM Human Resources,” said GM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dan Akerson. “Her no-nonsense counsel and proven track record as a business partner and change agent will benefit the total GM team.”

Succeeding Cindy Brinkley, who left GM in pursuit of other opportunities, Howell will report directly to Akerson while serving on the automaker’s Executive Operations Committee.

According to General Motors, Howell joined The General in 1990 as a Labor Relations representative at the Willow Run Assembly Plant in Michigan. “She is an active volunteer in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Detroit, a member of the Board of Trustees for the Judson Center in Royal Oak, Michigan, and serves on the program committee for Inforum Michigan.”

The GM Authority Take

It would seem that Ms. Howell is taking over the position at a time when GM has less restrictions on its recruitment efforts and compensation thanks to the U.S. government’s ongoing divestiture of the automaker’s shares. And if nothing else, that should make her job somewhat easier and the ensuing results better.