GM Shakes Up Management - But Still Sticks With Old Gang

DETROIT — Call it the management shakeup that wasn't. General Motors on Friday announced major "leadership changes" but retained much of the old familiar team that has been described by some critics as hidebound. Bob Lutz remains GM vice chairman, Mark Reuss — the son of former GM President Lloyd Reuss — is named president of GM North America and Thomas G. Stephens remains vice chairman of Global Product Operations.

The realignment of the leadership team at the beleaguered automaker caps a dramatic week in which GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson resigned abruptly with virtually no explanation three days ago. Ed Whitacre took over Henderson's role on an interim basis. GM is said to be looking outside the company to replace Henderson.

The latest changes are designed "to improve accountability and responsibility for market performance in North America and around the world," GM said in a statement.

"I want to give people more responsibility and authority deeper in the organization and then hold them accountable," said Whitacre. "We've realigned our leadership duties and responsibilities to help us meet our mission to design, build and sell the world's best vehicles."

The elevation of Reuss to president of GM North America was the biggest surprise on Friday. He briefly served as vice president of engineering after leading GM's Holden operations in Australia in 2008. Reporting to Reuss will be Susan E. Docherty, who is appointed vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing operations.

Bob Lutz, 77, who appears to be Teflon coated when it comes to management upheavals at GM, remains in his job and "will act as advisor on design and global product development," the automaker said in a statement. Lutz had announced plans to retire at the start of the year but later reconsidered.

Ray Young retains his job as GM CFO. Nick Reilly, who assumed operations of Opel/Vauxhall Europe for GM on November 11, is named president of GM Europe and Tim Lee is president of GM International Operations.

Inside Line says: If you were expecting a fresh new GM management team led by former Google, Apple and Starbucks executives, you were wrong. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent