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Ed Whitacre's rude reception in Motor City

FORTUNE/CNN -- The honeymoon is officially over.

Three months after he replaced Fritz Henderson as CEO of General Motors, Ed Whitacre is getting a rude introduction to life in a single-industry town.

Following the reorganization of sales and marketing in North America last week, the latest in a series of management changes that saw some veteran executives relieved of their jobs, the Detroit media unleashed a torrent of criticism.

It didn't matter that Whitacre, according to an insider, wasn't even responsible for the North America changes. Those decisions were delegated to North American chief Mark Reuss.

Or that GM had gone bankrupt under an earlier administration, so presumably some shifts in personnel were due.

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Submitted Mar 11, 2010 By: Sneakers55

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nc43bike Champion Author North Carolina Posts:6,930 Points:1,889,965 Joined:Feb 2004	Message Posted: Mar 12, 2010 12:46:13 AM Ignore nc43bike Report Abuse Sneakers55: 'Most of the writers on here are Socialists when it comes to the prices they want to pay, but they are Capitalists on the size of their paycheck." Boy, you sure hit THAT on the head! Lots of comments about how gasoline should go back to 79 cents per gallon, but nary a thought about wages also going back to 1950's levels.
Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:31,134 Points:1,257,695 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 11:23:24 PM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse regasaz wrote: >Number 1 is to get this country back to work, and our >current administration has NO Clue on how to make that >happen. The previous Administration (Bush-43) had NO clue about what was going on in the real world. >Next, get rid of the UAW While I have seen at least three decertification elections in the aerospace business, I doubt that you'll see them in the automotive business. >let auto prices adjust to their proper level What's the "proper level?" It's probably as blatantly ridiculous as the "proper level" for gasoline. Most of the writers on here are Socialists when it comes to the prices they want to pay, but they are Capitalists on the size of their paycheck. >and watch car sales start to move forward. Everyone has so many cars nowadays that they don't need another one. And because they last longer than they used to, there's less replacement. On the other hand, maybe the auto industry should discontinue their rust-resistant construction techniques so vehicles would last about two years in a salt-spreading environment.
Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:31,134 Points:1,257,695 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 11:09:49 PM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse RobRD wrote: >Unlike Mulally who came from a manufacturing background >even more complex than the auto industry, Whitacre's >experience in the telecommunication sector which hasn't >built anything more complex than telephone switch Southwestern Bell (the core of today's AT&T) bought their telephone switches already assembled. Even with that, the telecommunications business has to implement a HUGE network. Ed Whitacre was around for the implementation of Project Pronto ("fiber to the hut"). It let them implement U-verse. And remember, the POTS telephone network invariably gives you a dial tone when you pick up the handset. >I think we will see GM back in bankruptcy and Whitacre >reputation tattered. If GM does a Chapter 7, I would think it was a lost cause in the first place.
Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:31,134 Points:1,257,695 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 11:02:04 PM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse Amplion droned out yet another time: >What you drive reflects WHO YOU ARE ....... I guess that means if you drive a Ford that you're guilty of anti-Semitism. Read a bit about Henry Ford's honors by the Nazis. [Edited by: Sneakers55 at 3/11/2010 11:02:49 PM EST]
Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:31,134 Points:1,257,695 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 10:56:23 PM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse MidNJ wrote: >FYI, Ed Whitacre Jr. is going to get a $9 million pay >package this year. Most of it is in the form of restricted stock that will have an indefinite value until General Motors Company completes its Initial Public Offering. >Think about it. Whitacre is cheap at twice the price, and the Board of Directors consists of retired CEOs with experience turning around and/or building up great companies.
Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:31,134 Points:1,257,695 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 10:52:37 PM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse humblepie wrote: >he made att an also ran during his less than steller >years there As someone who has U-verse installed and running, I have a very high opinion of AT&T.
OHMS Champion Author Orange County Posts:7,786 Points:873,885 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 9:55:24 PM Ignore OHMS Report Abuse what did he expect? BO wants him to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic; now a happy ending in sight.
Jo120 Champion Author Arizona Posts:3,339 Points:1,289,100 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 8:50:08 PM Ignore Jo120 Report Abuse So much for giving the guy a chance ... things have got to be going a little better which he Toyota debacle.
ops3 Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:1,229 Points:737,025 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 8:41:40 PM Ignore ops3 Report Abuse Inherit the good stuff, inherit the bad!
goodbuy Champion Author Michigan Posts:3,003 Points:504,885 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 8:38:31 PM Ignore goodbuy Report Abuse Fire them all and start over. Management too old fashioned anyway. It was just a good ole boy network.
mark1962 Champion Author Albany Posts:1,360 Points:293,645 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 8:37:52 PM Ignore mark1962 Report Abuse It is tough out there and other places that don't have any industry!
snewwee Champion Author Detroit Posts:4,809 Points:978,405 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 8:37:44 PM Ignore snewwee Report Abuse GM is like a sinking ship with all of the rats looking for their liferafts (pension deals).
NotTom Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:2,318 Points:714,240 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 8:33:37 PM Ignore NotTom Report Abuse people are afraid of change. But that is what GM needs now.
tnsilvertip Champion Author Tennessee Posts:1,199 Points:444,890 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 8:28:54 PM Ignore tnsilvertip Report Abuse My impression is that the media and locals/insiders are uncomfortable, not Whitacre. I hope GM makes some positive changes cause they sure need to. And the UAW needs to figure out that they need GM more than GM needs them.
POLELANE Champion Author Ohio Posts:6,032 Points:681,570 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 8:20:47 PM Ignore POLELANE Report Abuse a new yorker is right; Are the journalists concerned that they may also lose their jobs as the Detroit region continues its march into decline, and will be unable to afford as many newspaper employees? American automobiles are made all over the USA; Not just in Mitchigan
sillywagon Champion Author New York Posts:5,145 Points:514,395 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 8:18:27 PM Ignore sillywagon Report Abuse Are the journalists concerned that they may also lose their jobs as the Detroit region continues its march into decline, and will be unable to afford as many newspaper employees? American automobiles are made all over the USA, not just in Detroit.
DellMan Champion Author Omaha Posts:1,917 Points:442,925 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 8:18:04 PM Ignore DellMan Report Abuse He is only a figure head anyway. We all know Obama and the UAW are really calling the shot at GM.
mvosevich Champion Author St. Louis Posts:4,121 Points:834,055 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 8:14:02 PM Ignore mvosevich Report Abuse If GM doesn't improve their products they'll all be out on the street.
DEG Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:12,634 Points:2,509,575 Joined:Jul 2003	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 8:12:30 PM Ignore DEG Report Abuse Nothing really changes. GM is still run by the UAW at the expense of the customers and now the taxpayers.
netman044 Champion Author Texas Posts:3,775 Points:634,160 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:59:12 PM Ignore netman044 Report Abuse He is the CEO of a company that was bailed out by the government. If he can't stand the heat he needs to get out of the kitchen.
la90042 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:2,402 Points:505,405 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:56:30 PM Ignore la90042 Report Abuse he's still the CEO -means the buck stops there - what did he expect?
starfighter08 Champion Author Illinois Posts:1,013 Points:160,125 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:52:48 PM Ignore starfighter08 Report Abuse GM = Government Motors
signwiz All-Star Author Indiana Posts:990 Points:902,755 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:52:37 PM Ignore signwiz Report Abuse It couldn't last forever.
SSchmidty Champion Author Illinois Posts:4,134 Points:784,395 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:52:21 PM Ignore SSchmidty Report Abuse Pity party poopers, will the press ever understand? THEY do not run anything and their REPORTING efforts are not very good!!
zeddieiv Champion Author Columbia Posts:3,450 Points:1,031,435 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:51:15 PM Ignore zeddieiv Report Abuse yay!
divebomber Champion Author Nebraska Posts:1,044 Points:806,970 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:50:58 PM Ignore divebomber Report Abuse A scapegoat is always necessary
nimpy Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:3,982 Points:864,395 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:45:51 PM Ignore nimpy Report Abuse I agree Wilw
WilW Champion Author Atlanta Posts:7,154 Points:1,690,220 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:42:30 PM Ignore WilW Report Abuse We own him. Let's cut his pay!
comet64 Champion Author Illinois Posts:1,250 Points:258,825 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:37:47 PM Ignore comet64 Report Abuse Why should the CEO' get all the money
uptherefiners Champion Author Chicago Posts:1,032 Points:239,630 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:32:44 PM Ignore uptherefiners Report Abuse gee, the media picking on the wrong guy...whodathunkit?
brus282 Champion Author North Carolina Posts:4,611 Points:939,350 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:31:35 PM Ignore brus282 Report Abuse Whitacre is a jacka-- and everybody in the auto world knows this, so this no suprise
bbreff Champion Author Atlanta Posts:4,974 Points:1,599,520 Joined:Jun 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:27:35 PM Ignore bbreff Report Abuse What else would you expect from the big three from Detroit.
swrestler Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:1,005 Points:555,660 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:26:29 PM Ignore swrestler Report Abuse No big deal.....
pulpwood Champion Author Mississippi Posts:3,893 Points:1,156,845 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:19:55 PM Ignore pulpwood Report Abuse Bunch of back bitters!
emptytank08 All-Star Author Pennsylvania Posts:557 Points:575,755 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:17:30 PM Ignore emptytank08 Report Abuse Hmmmmmmmm to bad
pgerassi Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:5,755 Points:1,130,645 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:06:57 PM Ignore pgerassi Report Abuse So what.
MidNJ Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,326 Points:211,930 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:56:26 PM Ignore MidNJ Report Abuse FYI, Ed Whitacre Jr. is going to get a $9 million pay package this year. Think about it.
vegaland Champion Author Houston Posts:2,313 Points:483,945 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:55:09 PM Ignore vegaland Report Abuse If GM hadn't taken the bailout money, there'd be a lot more people out of work.
HankHill09 Champion Author Long Island Posts:1,036 Points:209,400 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:53:53 PM Ignore HankHill09 Report Abuse yawn.
scrounger Champion Author Vancouver Posts:8,240 Points:2,203,215 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:53:29 PM Ignore scrounger Report Abuse should we shed a tear for him?
Amplion Champion Author Oregon Posts:1,325 Points:853,205 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:50:10 PM Ignore Amplion Report Abuse GM, Whitacre and UAW better ALL face the facts, They are ALL on the way out. What you drive reflects WHO YOU ARE .......
pkhdonovan Champion Author Maine Posts:6,837 Points:1,687,870 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:48:10 PM Ignore pkhdonovan Report Abuse I agree with virginia52, what did he expect open arms.
virginia52 Champion Author Alaska Posts:3,887 Points:766,385 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:43:28 PM Ignore virginia52 Report Abuse I think a lot of corporate people are getting blasted. We are sick of the CEO's getting big paychecks and bonuses while people lose their jobs and houses. Even if it's not his doing he is part of a corporation that took bailout money.
pmarsch Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:19,664 Points:1,087,215 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:40:34 PM Ignore pmarsch Report Abuse Must be a slow news day. Someone missed the recall on the Tundras today!
waynemustang Champion Author Indiana Posts:3,052 Points:807,705 Joined:Nov 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:37:18 PM Ignore waynemustang Report Abuse Govt Motors run by a bureaucrat should be shunned.
humblepie Champion Author Toledo Posts:7,740 Points:1,356,465 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:32:18 PM Ignore humblepie Report Abuse this guy should be selling kirby vacuums door to door he made att an also ran during his less than steller years there
THEDodgeman Champion Author Denver Posts:2,891 Points:934,925 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:31:59 PM Ignore THEDodgeman Report Abuse BOO HOO WHAT DID HE EXPECT.
k2kipp All-Star Author Minnesota Posts:800 Points:370,155 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:30:53 PM Ignore k2kipp Report Abuse Must be a slow news day
garman87 Champion Author Austin Posts:1,163 Points:1,473,785 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:29:29 PM Ignore garman87 Report Abuse GM is still doomed due to the same mistakes they make over and over.
regasaz All-Star Author Phoenix Posts:972 Points:310,735 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:28:26 PM Ignore regasaz Report Abuse Number 1 is to get this country back to work, and our current administration has NO Clue on how to make that happen. Next, get rid of the UAW , let auto prices adjust to their proper level, and watch car sales start to move forward.