GM CEO Henderson resigns after 8 turbulent months

[greenrail]

To me at least, in light of the Saab, Saturn, Opel and Hummer situations, this shouldn't really be a surprise. Make no mistake there are some very fine dedicated people within GM.

It appears that the needed cultural changes, just weren't hitting the comany fast enough. Regardless of whether Mr. Whitacre is a "car guy" or not, he is there to effect change.

Much like Mulalley did at Ford. Like 'em or not, they made the correct moves at the right times to get through the mess.

It will be very interesting to see what shakes out over the next few months. It is so sad to see this happen. But, in today's fluid economy dynamics, the ability to change and do it right, is something that has to be done pretty darn quick.

[Hylton]

Originally Posted by greenrail

To me at least, in light of the Saab, Saturn, Opel and Hummer situations, this shouldn't really be a surprise. Make no mistake there are some very fine dedicated people within GM.

It appears that the needed cultural changes, just weren't hitting the comany fast enough. Regardless of whether Mr. Whitacre is a "car guy" or not, he is there to effect change.

Much like Mulalley did at Ford. Like 'em or not, they made the correct moves at the right times to get through the mess.

It will be very interesting to see what shakes out over the next few months. It is so sad to see this happen. But, in today's fluid economy dynamics, the ability to change and do it right, is something that has to be done pretty darn quick.

I also believe that GM needs more "outsiders" to steer the ship. That's one of the biggest cultural changes that must be addressed. Many GM folks are so arrogant and closed minded, they think outsiders have no business running a car company and that nobody should be telling them how to run a business they've been running for the last 100 years. Oh yeah??!! We'll see......

[greenrail]

Originally Posted by Hylton

I also believe that GM needs more "outsiders" to steer the ship. That's one of the biggest cultural changes that must be addressed. Many GM folks are so arrogant and closed minded, they think outsiders have no business running a car company and that nobody should be telling them how to run a business they've been running for the last 100 years. Oh yeah??!! We'll see......

It is awful hard to remain quiet about some of this. Suffice it to say, I have seen some of that from a very closeup and personal perspective.

I have also seen the way other manufacturers go about their business and boy, it is somewhat of a major divergent take on how to do business.

From one perspective, it is human nature to rely on what is a given comfort level. But, by our very nature it is hard to change. In GM's case, that will be the core to any revival.

[Hylton]

Originally Posted by greenrail

It is awful hard to remain quiet about some of this. Suffice it to say, I have seen some of that from a very closeup and personal perspective.

I have also seen the way other manufacturers go about their business and boy, it is somewhat of a major divergent take on how to do business.

From one perspective, it is human nature to rely on what is a given comfort level. But, by our very nature it is hard to change. In GM's case, that will be the core to any revival.

...and ironically, that is where we "Americans" went wrong. What do I mean by that? Well, back in the days when America was becoming a great powerhouse, our business leaders actually listened to the ideas which came from other people (at the time, new immigrants). This allowed for fresh ideas from perspectives they would have never gained. They were astute enough to know that the more perspectives one attains to a solution, the more likely the chance of success.

Now, it is exactly the opposite - if it's not an internal idea, then it is quickly discounted. Well sooner or later, that comes back to bite you in the ass.

[Easy Go]

Originally Posted by zerolm

Meanwhile, out in the real world, dealers are treating 37 year old potential customers like children.

This is a MAJOR problem for GM.

The best way to fight this is to put product on the road that people HAVE to have (like the Camaro) and reward the "good dealers" by keeping their shelves full of that product.

Dealers that deliver anything less than a superb customer experience should be taken out behind the barn and shot in the head. As that is illegal in most countries GM sells vehicles, the next best thing to do is starve those dealers of "gotta have" product and actively promote those dealers that know how to do it right.

I think Chrysler took this approach with their "5 Star" dealer certification, but gotta have product comes first and, well, let's just leave it at that...

To add, there's nothing wrong with insiders leading a company if those insiders are actually passionate about the product their company produces and they have the experience, instinct, and charisma to TRULY lead.

[UCI CamaroFan]

I was watching CNBC this morning before I went to school, and there was a segment on this.

One of the reporters actually met Bob Lutz, and he asked him if this comes as a surprise. Lutz says that the management did not know that this was going to happen. In fact, Lutz was so in the dark that he was not even in Detroit when this all happened.

Wow. I'll see if I can go find an article on it.

[UCI CamaroFan]

I found it.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/34241937/site/14081545

Originally Posted by CNBC

If you were shocked by the sudden resignation of GM CEO Fritz Henderson, imagine being in the General Motors management team.

Out here at the L.A. Auto Show GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz told me the Henderson news caught him and other GM execs by surprise.

Lutz said, "This took us by surprise. It's something we would not have done, something we don't necessarily like, but our loyalty is to General Motors and to shareholders and the public that buys our cars."

When I asked Lutz if the GM managers had expressed these thoughts to Ed Whitacre, he said, "Well, now I think we're getting into internal discussions that I'd rather not get into and besides I can dodge that question easily by saying I left for LA before this whole thing hit, so I haven't really talked to anybody since it occurred."

The way Fritz Henderson left GM sends a clear message to all execs at the country's largest auto company: you better change and change fast or you won't be around long.

Chairman, and new CEO Ed Whitacre is hell bent on transforming GM's culture into one where the company moves quicker, takes bold steps, and above all does not tolerate complacency. In other words, gone are the days where incremental change was good enough at GM. Whitacre and the board want to instill the company with a private equity mentality where accountability and results are the primary drivers of whether you are doing your job.

For many GM execs this is a clear sign they better get in line with the boards vision, and above all produce results.

[Milk 1027]

Originally Posted by Hylton

Give me a break.

It's a joke buddy.....

[diamondmike]

he was the one that drop ponitac. and kept saturn. glad to see him go!

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by diamondmike

he was the one that drop ponitac. and kept saturn. glad to see him go!

Saturn's gone too...

And Pontiac's fate had been decided long before Henderson.

[SleepWarz]

Pontiac was deliberatly*sp? ran into the ground.

Shitty designs, no inhouse anything, just sell sell sell oh its not selling, must be the brand.

Oh yes it could not possibly be the junk clone mobiles they were forced to sell.

[Mr. Wyndham]

He was the reason GM still exists today. He guided the company through the storm...he made all the smart decisions that has set the company up for future success. Including setting the tone for business going forward. I'm sad to see him go. :(

I'm curious as to why he decided to resign, though...

[MikesZ]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

He was the reason GM still exists today. He guided the company through the storm...he made all the smart decisions that has set the company up for future success. Including setting the tone for business going forward. I'm sad to see him go. :(

I'm curious as to why he decided to resign, though...

+1...I think Fritz Henderson was helping move GM in the right direction. I have serious concerns about Whitacre being acting CEO and the board's discussion of hiring someone from outside the auto industry as the next CEO.

[MightyT]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

My dad was forced to retire early. We also lost dental/vision insurance. I never went on Facebook spouting hatred for GM.

Her dad's probably going to get a decent severance package anyways. She has nothing to complain about.

Exactly ... You get tired of the corp hacks cleaning house and then complaining when they have to sell their vacation home in Paris. Pa-Leaze!

Oh ... I am sorry for your dad and good for you for being a better person ...