Well, Henderson it out as CEO of GM, and they’re hunting for a replacement. Who should it be?
The auto industry includes a number of high-profile CEOs who get a lot of press for their big personalities and willingness to make the big decisions.
Then there is Alan Mulally, who has gotten credit for sound financial planning and team building at Ford. When’s the last time we heard of political infighting inside Ford, which used to be rife with it? I honestly don’t remember.
GM needs someone like Mulally.
It’s not important that the next CEO be a “car guy.” Nor should they be a “finance guy.” Instead, it’s most important that the next CEO focus not on the products or the profits but on the people. Enable people to do their jobs well, and these people will produce great products, and profits.
The piece I wrote when Mulally was picked for Ford’s CEO remains relevant for GM today: