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GM names Thomas G. Stephens as new Global Chief Technology Officer

A major element of GM CEO Akerson’s goal to making the company more customer driven and technology focused requires a new position of Chief Technology Officer. Thomas G. Stephens has been named to fill it.

According to the news release via media.gm.com, Stephens will strengthen the company’s technology vision and focus, working across the global organization to anticipate and deliver innovation for customers in each market.

His primary role is to seek creative solutions and game-changing technologies to help GM shape the automotive future, leveraging internal and external partnerships to benefit customers today and tomorrow.

Stephens, as GM vice chairman and Chief Technology Officer, will also be responsible for the company’s research and development organization led by GM vice president Alan Taub.

“Customers today expect and deserve the very best technology from their GM vehicles,” said GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson. “Tom will make sure that GM technology keeps up with our customers and keeps ahead of our competitors.”

Stephens most recent assignment was vice chairman, Global Product Operations, which has now been assigned to Mary Barr per a separate news release.

Over his 42-year career, Stephens has held a number of key positions, including vice president of Engineering in both the former GM Powertrain organization and GM Truck Group, vice president of Vehicle Integration and executive vice president of Global Powertrain and Global Quality.

Early in his career, Stephens was assistant chief engineer of the Cadillac Northstar engine, and plant manager of the Livonia Engine Plant.

Based on his broad experience and expertise, he was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering, for his leadership role in the development of automotive powertrains with improved performance, fuel efficiency, and lower emissions.

Stephens, 62, will continue to report to Akerson and remains on the company’s Executive Committee. His move becomes effective on Feb. 1.

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About the Author: After 39 years in the auto industry as a design engineer, Frank Sherosky now trades stocks and writes articles, books and ebooks via authorfrank.com, but may be contacted here by email: [email protected]

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