GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, 78, has announced his retirement...for the second and final time. Lutz’s last day at General Motors will be May 1, 2010.
Lutz’s first attempt to leave the automotive industry took place last year - he decided to leave the company at the end of the year, as he considered his professional life had come to an end and there was no motivation for him to engage in a fierce fight with the extremely difficult economic conditions that resulted from the global financial crisis.
But the vice chairman never did accomplish his plan, as he maintained his position in order to help GM emerge from bankruptcy and continue its U.S. restructuring process. In December 2009, Lutz was appointed senior adviser for the company’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Ed Whitacre.
Now, Lutz says that he decided to retire because he feels that GM has been brought on the right track and his departure will not affect the company’s future.
“I can confidently say that the job I came here to do more than nine years ago is now complete – the team I have been fortunate to lead has far exceeded my expectations,” Lutz said.
“Our product lineup is as strong as it has been in GM’s history. The perception of our products and brands is beginning to catch up with reality. And most importantly, the absolute commitment to being a product-driven company is ingrained throughout the organization – from the top down – and I am confident that, under Ed Whitacre’s leadership, the straightforward, singular focus on product will endure,” he added.
Lutz’s first attempt to leave the automotive industry took place last year - he decided to leave the company at the end of the year, as he considered his professional life had come to an end and there was no motivation for him to engage in a fierce fight with the extremely difficult economic conditions that resulted from the global financial crisis.
But the vice chairman never did accomplish his plan, as he maintained his position in order to help GM emerge from bankruptcy and continue its U.S. restructuring process. In December 2009, Lutz was appointed senior adviser for the company’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Ed Whitacre.
Now, Lutz says that he decided to retire because he feels that GM has been brought on the right track and his departure will not affect the company’s future.
“I can confidently say that the job I came here to do more than nine years ago is now complete – the team I have been fortunate to lead has far exceeded my expectations,” Lutz said.
“Our product lineup is as strong as it has been in GM’s history. The perception of our products and brands is beginning to catch up with reality. And most importantly, the absolute commitment to being a product-driven company is ingrained throughout the organization – from the top down – and I am confident that, under Ed Whitacre’s leadership, the straightforward, singular focus on product will endure,” he added.