Daniel AkersonGeneral Motors announced Aug. 12 that Ed Whitacre Jr. will step down as chief executive officer on Sept. 1, and as chairman of the board by the end of the year. He’ll be replaced by Dan Akerson, 61, who has served on the GM board of directors since July 2009. Akerson will become CEO on Sept. 1 and chairman by the end of the year. 
“My goal in coming to General Motors was to help restore profitability, build a strong market position, and position this iconic company for success,” said Whitacre. “We are clearly on that path.  A strong foundation is in place and I am comfortable with the timing of my decision.”
Earlier today, GM reported its second consecutive quarter of profits after a string of losses dating back to 2007.
“Dan Akerson has been actively engaged in and supportive of the key decisions and changes made at the new GM.  He brings broad business experience, decisive leadership, and continuity to this role,” said Pat Russo, lead director on the GM board. “The board of directors deeply appreciates the leadership Ed has provided and is pleased with the serious commitment Dan is making to the company. We look forward to his leadership.”
Whitacre, 68, joined GM as chairman of the board on July 10, 2009.  On Dec. 1, 2009, he was named chief executive officer. He led the company after it emerged from a historic bankruptcy to become a profitable automaker again.
In addition to serving on the GM board since July 2009, Akerson’s career included managing director at the Carlyle Group, and in telecommunications serving as chairman and CEO of XO Communications and at Nextel Communications.  He was also chairman and CEO of General Instrument Corp.