New CEO for GM

Current GM CEO Ed Whitacre has announced that he will step down from his position effective September 1, with GM Board Member and Managing Director of the Carlyle Group, Dan Akerson (pictured), to assume the role.

Akerson will also take on the role of Chairman of the Board at GM, a position currently held by Whitacre, by the end of the year.

Whitacre, who was confirmed as CEO in January of this year, had assumed the role of acting CEO on December 1, 2009 when the GM board approved the resignation of former CEO, Fritz Henderson. 

"Ed Whitacre was exactly what this company needed, at exactly the right time," said Pat Russo, Lead Director of the GM board. "He simplified the organisation, reshaped the company's vision, put the right people in place, and brought renewed energy and optimism to GM."

In addition to his role at the Carlyle Group, Akerson, 61, has served on the GM Board of Directors since July last year. His previous roles include Chairman and CEO of XO Communications and again at Nextel Communications. He also lead the General Instrument Corporation.

As replacement for the top job, Akerson will be tasked with building upon the foundations set in place by Whitacre for GM's continued rejuvenation, and although he suggested the company was in good shape, adding that no major senior level changes were required, he stated that he will not release details of his plans within the role until after September 1.

"There are remarkable opportunities ahead for the new GM, and I am honored to lead the company through this next chapter," said Akerson. "Ed Whitacre established a foundation upon which we will continue building a great automobile company."

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