General Motors Co. on Thursday announced multiple leadership changes, several of which impact its quality organization. The Detroit-based automaker said the changes were made "to continue its evolution into a stronger, more customer-centric organization."
The leadership moves are the latest in a series initiated by GM (IW 500/5) during the past year as the manufacturer addresses an ignition switch safety crisis that has captured much of CEO Mary Barra's attention during her first year in that position.
In April, for example, Barra announced the creation of a product-integrity team headed by Mark Reuss, who leads the global product development organization. And Jeff Boyer in March was named vice president, global vehicle safety.
The Nov. 20 announcements, which are effective immediately, include:
Alicia Boler-Davis, senior vice president, global quality and customer experience, has been named senior vice president, global connected customer experience. With her new position, Boler-Davis takes responsibility for the Global Connected Consumer organization, which includes OnStar and its call centers.
Grace Lieblein, vice president, global purchasing and supply chain, has been named vice president, global quality.
Both Boler-Davis and Lieblein will report to Barra.
In related transitions, Steve Kiefer has been named vice president, global purchasing and supply chain. He was vice president, global powertrain.
Dan Nicholson, executive director of powertrain embedded controls, was promoted to Kiefer's previous position as vice president, global powertrain.
Kiefer and Nicholson both report to Mark Reuss, executive vice president, global product development, purchasing and supply chain.
Mary Chan, vice president, global connected consumer, has elected to leave GM, the automaker reported. She will remain with the company through the first quarter of 2015.