Whitacre Vows to ‘Learn About Cars’ as GM Chairman

cnredd · #1 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Edward E. Whitacre Jr. built AT&T Inc. into the biggest U.S. provider of telephone service over a 43-year-career. By his own admission, he becomes chairman of General Motors Corp. knowing nothing about the auto industry.

The 6-foot-4-inch Texan nicknamed “Big Ed” said steering the nation’s largest automaker after bankruptcy is “a public service.” People who know him say he can meet GM’s need for the type of transformation he orchestrated at Dallas-based AT&T.

“I don’t know anything about cars,” Whitacre, 67, said yesterday in an interview after his appointment. “A business is a business, and I think I can learn about cars. I’m not that old, and I think the business principles are the same.”

So the executive who got elected with no executive experience hires someone to run a car company who knows nothing about cars...

Since he also hired a guy who couldn't even do his own taxes correctly to head the Treasury department, I can honestly say this does not shock me in the least...

dabateman · #2 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009, 03:01 AM

Whitacre is a GREAT businessman. He managed to piece together leaders in both the traditional landline and cellular industries as well as providing internet service. The revenues of AT&T and AT&T Wireless show his worth. Car's, unlike cellphones, are REQUIRED in many parts of the nation in order to get to and from work.

I have no doubt that Whitacre will turn GM around. You don't have to know every detail to know how to effectively manage a business. GM turns out a good product, it's the management they've been lacking.

The choice is fantastic!!!

Mikeyy · #3 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009, 06:24 AM

Although I think cnredd is again extrapolating. And incorrectly I might add. I actually agree that I thought that was a stupid comment. Because I believe cars ought to be built by people who care about cars. I am a bit sick of the "executive experience" bull****. I think you should have a passion for the product your actually trying to sell.

saltwn · #4 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cnredd

Whitacre Vows to ‘Learn About Cars’ as GM Chairman

So the executive who got elected with no executive experience hires someone to run a car company who knows nothing about cars...

Since he also hired a guy who couldn't even do his own taxes correctly to head the Treasury department, I can honestly say this does not shock me in the least...

Quote:

Whitacre led SBC through a series of mergers and acquisitions in building the largest provider of both local long distance telephone services and wireless service (through its Cingular division) in the United States

WIKI

Quote:

BusinessWeek reported that, though the CEO of one of the largest and most influential names in telecommunications and its surrounding technology, Whitacre did not use email or have a computer in his office

Looks like him not using a lot of fancy telecommunication devices didn't hurt his career at ATT&T.

Gordon Shumway · #5 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009, 08:48 AM

Anyone could turn GM around in this situation.
The government sets the rules.
Who do you think they'll favor?
When the government needs a fleet of cars, who will they buy them from?
When any company needs a fleet of cars who is likely to have the best tax break for buying one of their vehicles?
It's Government Motors & they'll be able to operate indefinitely with a deficit --- like Amtrak (hhhmmm...any other train take passengers across the country anymore?).

by the way --- I don't have a probem with the pick...I have a problem with the government take-over.

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