• February 23, 2010

A former Wall Street investment firm auto biz analyst-turned-GM executive is now near the top spot at the automaker. Stephen J. Girsky has been tapped to be vice chairman, corporate strategy and business development. The ex-pundit keeps his General Motors board of directors position, which he has had since July last year.

Ed Whitacre, GM chairman and CEO, said in a release that Girsky is a critical advisor, "who has made a major contribution through the company's transition."

Effective March 1, Girsky will have responsibility in areas like corporate strategy, business alliances, and new business development.

John F. Smith, current GM and VP of corporate planning and alliances, says he will retire, though he will remain until the end of the year and serve as a special advisor to Chris Liddell, GM vice chairman and CFO.--Karl Greenberg