• by Karl Greenberg , December 10, 2013

Dan Akerson, the former executive and financier who took over GM after the Recession when it was derisively called "Government Motors" for having gotten a big bailout from Uncle Sam, is stepping down. He will be replaced by Mary Barra, EVP, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. She is to be the first woman CEO of a major auto company.

Akerson, who is far less limelight friendly than either of his crosstown rivals — Alan Mulally at Ford and Marciano at Fiat's Chrysler unit — was responsible for bringing the company back from the dead by tightening the balance sheet and creating an environment that brought back a viable car portfolio across Buick, Cadillac and mostly Chevrolet. Akerson, who steps down Jan. 15 will