General Motors rearranges sales, marketing staff for third time since bankruptcy

(March 2, 2010) General Motors has overhauled its U.S. sales and marketing staff for the third time since emerging from bankruptcy, giving North America President Mark Reuss responsibility for sales. Vice President Susan Docherty, 47, who had been in charge of North American sales and marketing, will run U.S. marketing only. She reports to Reuss, 46.

The changes also end high-profile designer Bryan Nesbitt's stint as head of Cadillac sales and marketing. Nesbitt will take a design position.

Reuss said he initiated the changes to flatten GM's North American organization, which he said was not moving fast enough to increase sales. Making GM North America "a focused standalone business unit" is critical to the overall health of the company, he said in a conference call with reporters today. "If North America works, lots of good things happen for GM globally," he said.

The move reverses changes made in December after the departure of CEO Fritz Henderson. At that time, Docherty was promoted to vice president for sales, marketing, service and OnStar. She previously was in charge of sales.

The moves reflect CEO Ed Whitacre's impatience for results in boosting GM's image and sales. When he became chief executive in December, Whitacre said he wanted quick results in sales and marketing.