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Matt KramerG.M. Chairman’s Task: Bring Fresh Perspective
By BILL VLASIC
DETROIT — Edward E. Whitacre Jr., the architect of AT&T’s rebirth as the nation’s largest telecommunications company, will now try to restore glory to another faded American institution, General Motors.
G.M. said Tuesday that Mr. Whitacre, a charismatic 67-year-old Texan, will become the new chairman when it emerges from bankruptcy, fulfilling the Obama administration’s goal of installing new leadership at the troubled automaker.
The selection of Mr. Whitacre is the first step in an overhaul of G.M.’s board, which presided over the company’s decline that forced it to seek government assistance last year.
The selection of Mr. Whitacre, who retired as chairman and chief executive of AT&T in 2007, was heavily influenced by Steven Rattner, one of President Obama’s senior automotive advisers.
It follows the choice of another prominent executive from outside the auto industry — C. Robert Kidder, the former chairman of Duracell — to take over as chairman of Chrysler after it reorganizes in bankruptcy court.
Mr. Whitacre was not available for comment Tuesday. But the automaker’s interim chairman, Kent Kresa, said the appointment was a critical step in helping G.M. restructure its operations and regain credibility with consumers.
“We need to bring back the confidence of the American public in this company,” Mr. Kresa said. “Having a strong board is a big piece of that.”
The reshaping of G.M.’s board was expected after Mr. Obama asked for, and received, the resignation in March of Rick Wagoner, G.M.’s longtime chairman and chief executive.
Mr. Wagoner was replaced as chief executive by his top deputy, Fritz Henderson. However, Mr. Kresa took over as chairman on an interim basis until an outside candidate was identified.
The selection process was helped by the executive search firm Spencer Stuart. But it was Mr. Rattner who first brought up Mr. Whitacre as a candidate.
“He was someone who Steve Rattner knew, or knew of,” Mr. Kresa said. “I started talki
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