GM Names New Government Relations Exec

The relationship American manufacturer GM has with the US government, as well as the public policy activities the car maker is conducting in its global markets, will be taken over starting May 1 by Robert E. Ferguson. Ferguson currently leads the Government Relations department, but his attributions will expand to public policies as well starting next month.

Ferguson will also be replacing John T. Montford to the position of chairman of the GM Foundation. In turn, Montford will move on to a consulting role, leaving all his ongoing projects in the hands of Ferguson.

The new GM executive has a strong experience in public policies and a good knowledge of what it takes to deal with the government, having been one of the key men of the Public Strategies firm in Texas.
Before Public Strategies, Ferguson worked for AT&T as president of state legislative and regulatory affairs (he joined AT&T at the same time the communications giant merged with SBC Communications in 2005). He joined GM last year, just like Montford.

“Bob has a long, proven record of building relationships and making sure employees, customers and other partners have a seat at the policy table,” said GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson. “Under Bob’s leadership, GM will continue working to maintain a vibrant auto industry that creates jobs and brings the latest innovations to market.”

“John was a tireless advocate for GM who revitalized our state and federal policy efforts,” said Akerson. “He made significant contributions to GM at a critical time for the company.”