General Motors have promoted Fritz Henderson to COO, a move GM say will enable top executives to spend more time outside the United States in growing markets. CEO Rick Wagoner, speaking to reporters at the Geneva Auto Show, said “At the top of the company, we’ve been somewhat stretched,” adding that he hasn’t been able to spend enough time visiting GM’s important growing markets, such as China and South America. Wagoner said he has made only two visits a year to those locations when he should be making four or five trips. New COO Henderson can now make some of those visits and ensure GM’s presence in emerging markets. At a meeting on Monday, GM’s board also appointed Ray Young, 46, to replace Henderson as CFO. Young, formerly group vice president of finance, also was elected executive vice president. Both Henderson and Young will report to Wagoner.
Reporting to Henderson, in addition to Stephens, will be four regional presidents: Troy Clarke, GM North America; Carl-Peter Forster, GM Europe; Maureen Kempston Darkes, GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East; and David Reilly, GM Asia Pacific. Also reporting to Henderson will be Bo Andersson, group vice president, global purchasing and supply chain; and Gary Cowger, group vice president, global manufacturing and labor relations. The remaining global functional leaders and Vice Chairman Bob Lutz will continue to report to Wagoner.