GM announces executive shakeup
Moves not linked to recalls, firm says
DETROIT — General Motors is replacing the executives in charge of communications and human resources as it struggles with a string of embarrassing recalls that have led to congressional hearings and federal investigations.
Communications chief Selim Bingol and human resources head Melissa Howell are leaving the company to pursue other interests, the company said Monday in a statement.
But GM spokesman Greg Martin said the moves are not linked to the recalls. He attributed them to CEO Mary Barra, who took over in February, making her own hires in key positions. “The changes are part of what any company expects during periods of transition, and Mary is building her own team,” Martin said.
John Quattrone, who currently is executive director of human resources, will replace Howell, but GM has not yet named a replacement for Bingol, the statement said. The changes are effective immediately.
Barra promised employees on a company blog that the company’s senior leadership will react quickly to tips from employees about safety problems. GM announced on Thursday a program to recognize and re- ward employees who speak up when they see something that could affect customer safety.
Company leaders will take action or close safety issues in a timely fashion, Barra promised in the blog.
“This program is an important step toward embedding the customer- and safety-centred culture in every aspect of our business,” Barra said.
GM is in the midst of a crisis over safety of some of its older-model vehicles, including 2.6 million small cars worldwide that have been recalled to replace faulty ignition switches. GM says at least 13 deaths have been linked to the switch problem. Family members of those killed say the death toll is much higher.
The switches can unexpectedly slip from the “run” position to “accessory” or “off,” shutting down the engine and disabling the powerassisted steering and brakes and the airbags. Without power steering, the cars become difficult to steer, and many drivers have inexplicably gone off the road or into oncoming traffic.