GM looks for new product boss

General Motors is about to get another product boss. The question is, who?

Vice chairman Tom Stephens will move to the freshly minted position of chief technology officer for GM on Feb. 1. He has been in charge of global product development since 2009, when he replaced Bob Lutz, who was retiring amid GM's bankruptcy.

Stephens, 62, maintained oversight of products even after Lutz subsequently unretired and took a marketing role. Stephens's duties were modified in June by then-CEO Ed Whitacre, who took over product planning but left Stephens in charge of design and engineering. GM said it will announce his replacement soon.

The move comes amid a slew of executive shake-ups at GM, including marketing changes announced on Tuesday and the news that OnStar president Chris Preuss is stepping down. The carmaker has had four chief executives in slightly less than two years. Joel Ewanick has also been tapped to lead global marketing efforts, in another move to consolidate oversight.

Stephens will continue to report to CEO Dan Akerson. The job change comes as car companies are increasingly putting an emphasis on technology for powertrains and consumer interaction. Crosstown rival Ford is often referred to as a “technology” company by its execs, and Hyundai, Chrysler and a number of other of companies are investing in connectivity developments.

“Today's cars and trucks are technology on wheels,” Stephens said in a statement. “I'm excited about working with the GM team in new ways and focusing my energy to keep us on the leading edge of automotive innovation.”

Stephens had helped continue the momentum launched by Lutz that resulted in a list of awards and praise for new GM cars and trucks. The Chevrolet Volt won car-of-the-year honors at the Detroit auto show and has received green-car honors as well. Cadillacs and Buicks have also drawn consistent praise from enthusiasts and mainstream consumers for their well-done interiors and drive character.

Stephens is a 42-year veteran of the company and an engineer by trade.

By Greg Migliore