The former president was born in 1922 in Saginaw and attended the General Motors Institute in Flint under the sponsorship of the Saginaw Malleable Iron Division. After graduation, he became an engineering officer in the submarine service and served aboard two submarines in the Pacific.
McDonald's automotive career began in 1946, after he left the US Navy and joined Saginaw Malleable Iron. He slowly moved up through the ranks and became works manager and general manager of Detroit Transmission Division, works manager of the Pontiac Motor Division, director of manufacturing operations for Chevrolet and finally executive vice president and member of the GM board with responsibility for car and truck, body and assembly, electrical components, mechanical components, power products and overseas operations.
McDonald became president and CEO of GM on February 1, 1981, positions which he held until August 31, 1987. His work at the top of GM's management revolves around the creation of the UAW-GM Quality Network in particular and improving the employer-employees relationship in general.
According to GM, several visitations will be set up in Michigan all the way through Monday, in McDonald's honor. Those who want to pay their respects can do so on Wednesday in Vero Beach, Royal Oak and Bloomfield Hills.
Google News