Bob LutzGeneral Motors’ vice chairman, Bob Lutz, will retire effective May 1, 2010, capping a 47-year career in the global auto industry that included senior leadership positions at four of the world's leading automakers.
Following upper management reorganization once again in recent months, this time by new CEO Ed Whitacre, Lutz, who was “un-retired” by Whitacre’s predecessor, Fritz Henderson, in July 2009 likely had his role and influence reduced.
Lutz said he decided to retire now in part because hot-selling vehicles like the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX, GMC Terrain, Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Camaro, along with the growing strength of GM's four brands, prove that a product-focused mindset inside the company is in place for the long term.
Lutz, 78, rejoined GM Sept. 1, 2001, as the head of product development, and has led the company's resurgence in developing great cars and trucks. He also worked at BMW, Chrysler and Ford.