Retirement | GM Authority

Executive Shuffle: Whitacre Out, Daniel Akerson In As GM CEO Starting September 1st
by Manoli Katakis
Posted August 12th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
If the title of this heavy and somewhat left-field news article caused you to spit out your Mountain Dew, coffee, or whatever you prefer to drink at this hour, don’t worry. You’re not the only one. When General Motors held a conference call to discuss its second quarter earnings, we only expected to report on just that, and not Big Ed’s resignation just when we were starting to get comfortable with him leading The General. And no, Maximum Bob Lutz will not be the one grabbing the reins.

Effective September 1st, 2010, GM board of directors member Daniel Akerson will be filling the big shoes Whitacre is stepping out of. Whitacre will stay on as chairman until the end of 2010, at which poin Akerson will take over the position.

Akerson, 61, is a former telecommunications CEO (much like Whitacre) for the business telecommunications company XO Communications, where he served from 1999 to 2003. Since 2003, he has been the managing director for global investment firm The Carlyle Group and still holds his position today. Akerson has also lead Nextel as its CEO from 1996 to 1999 and its chairman from ’96 to 2001.

It pretty much goes without saying that Akerson is no more a car guy than Whitacre. But he has been a voice in virtually every key decision since July 2009, when GM exited bankruptcy. We’re expecting great things from Mr. Akerson! Keep reading for GM’s presser.

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Bob Lutz Recieves A Proper Farewell From General Motors
by Manoli Katakis
Posted May 25th, 2010 at 10:49 am
When there’s retirement, there tend to be retirement parties. This was the case for the legendary “Maximum” Bob Lutz, arguably GM’s most famous (if not notorious) executive since John Delorean – and definitely the favorite of the GM Authority crew.

Maximum Bob decided to leave the executive life behind for the pursuit of writing his still unnamed book and to tear up the sky in his L-39 Albatross and Dornier Alpha Jet A fighter planes. Golf and sailing just doesn’t cut it for the 78 year-old former U.S. Marine fighter pilot.

To reflect on the departure of one of its most hailed executives, General Motors hosted a gathering at its Warren Technical Center this past week. Bob was always a catalyst for change and a big proponent of transforming GM from a company with stodgy business practices and mediocre product offerings to a product-focused machine. Lutz is currently confident in the company’s leadership team, but still encourages workers to speak up on whatever they feel is a bad idea and to always suggest positive ideas (such as this one).

“Being an irritant and pointing out deficiencies in the company and the way it operates doesn’t always make you very popular in the short term, but I did it my whole career, and it worked for me.”

So join us in raising our proverbial glasses to the one and only “Maximum” Bob Lutz (and the statement above).

We have the press release after the jump!

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The Job Is Done: Bob Lutz To Retire May 1
by Alex Luft
Posted March 6th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
After a decorated 47-year career in the automotive industry, General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz will retire effective May 1, 2010. Maximum Bob’s contributions to the trade are far too great to be named in a single article, but most recently the legendary exec spearheaded the return of the 5th gen Camaro, the development of the Chevrolet Volt, and – of course – led GM though its product-based reincarnation.

Lutz’s decision to retire came in part because of the success of GM’s newest and best-selling vehicles such as the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX, GMC Terrain, Chevrolet Equinox, and Chevrolet Camaro. The super-star executive and uber car guy is also very satisfied with GM’s transformation into a company with a product-focused culture, one that Lutz believes to be in place for the long term.

I can confidently say that the job I came here to do more than nine years ago is now complete – the team I have been fortunate to lead has far exceeded my expectations. Our product lineup is as strong as it has been in GM’s history. The perception of our products and brands is beginning to catch up with reality. And most importantly, the absolute commitment to being a product-driven company is ingrained throughout the organization – from the top down – and I am confident that, under Ed Whitacre’s leadership, the straightforward, singular focus on product will endure.

Lutz was appointed senior advisor to newly-appointed CEO and Chairman Ed Whitacre in December 2009. He will continue to provide guidance on design and key product initiatives until he retires May 1. Whitacre had the following to say about Lutz’ forthcoming departure:

The influence Bob Lutz has had on GM’s commitment to design, build and sell the world’s best vehicles will last for years to come. I, along with many other men and women in GM and throughout the industry, have greatly benefited from his passion, wisdom and guidance.

Lutz, 78, rejoined GM September 1, 2001 as the head of product development after having held positions at BMW, Chrysler, and Ford

The GM Authority Take

We image Bob will finally be able to fully enjoy his impressive collection of toys, including cars, planes, and suits. And Bob, you’re still welcome on the GM Authority podcast any time.

GM’s full press release after the jump! (more…)

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The GM Authority Take