Oh Wait, There's More: GM Appoints New Global Product Development Leader

General Motors yesterday announced a bunch of leadership changes within three of its core brands and, even if we thought that the US-based carmaker has finished its restructuring process, more changes were revealed today. Mary Barra is the new leader of global product development, which means she will be in charge of design, engineering, program management and vehicle quality for all 11 brands GM owns across the world.

And although she'll be in charge of a 36,000-member team, she will also have to focus on global strategic product alliances, GM said in a press release rolled out today.

"Mary will bring a fresh perspective to the critically important job of developing vehicles that delight global customers," said Dan Akerson, GM Chairman and CEO. "Her broad experience in engineering, manufacturing and staff functions, combined with the ability to collaborate and build strong relationships will enhance the company's ability to deliver the products today's consumers demand."

Mary Barra was appointed vice president, Global Human Resources in 2009 after she previously worked as vice president, Global Manufacturing Engineering. In the past, she also worked as plant manager, Detroit Hamtramck Assembly Plant, executive director of Competitive Operations Engineering and general director of Internal Communications for GM North America.

"Knowing that today's global customer expects even more from their GM vehicle means we have to work harder than ever to exceed those expectations," said Barra. "I'm excited by the opportunity associated with this new challenge and pleased to be joining such a strong team with deep technical knowledge and experience."