GM Names Ferguson to Lead Government Relations and Public Policy

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Apr 13, 2011, 11:00 ET

DETROIT, April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- General Motors today announced that Robert E. Ferguson, currently vice president, Government Relations, is named vice president, Global Public Policy, with responsibility for GM's government relations and public policy activities in the U.S. and its global markets. Ferguson will also serve on GM's Executive Committee and succeed John T. Montford as chairman of the GM Foundation.

Montford, currently senior advisor, Government Relations and Global Public Policy, will transition to a consulting role effective May 1. Ferguson will also continue the state government relations and GM Foundation initiatives previously led by Montford.

"Bob has a long, proven record of building relationships and making sure employees, customers and other partners have a seat at the policy table," said GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson. "Under Bob's leadership, GM will continue working to maintain a vibrant auto industry that creates jobs and brings the latest innovations to market."

Akerson also recognized Montford's service.

"John was a tireless advocate for GM who revitalized our state and federal policy efforts," said Akerson. "He made significant contributions to GM at a critical time for the company."

Both Montford and Ferguson joined GM in January 2010.

Robert E. Ferguson

Before joining GM in January 2010, Ferguson was a senior strategist for the business advisory firm of Public Strategies, Inc. in Austin, Texas. In that role, he provided strategic counsel to corporations and other organizations, with a focus on international business, technology and public policy. Ferguson joined Public Strategies from AT&T, where he was president of state legislative and regulatory affairs. While at AT&T, Ferguson was responsible for overseeing external and regulatory issues in all 50 states and for managing the company's public policy organization. He assumed that position in 2005, when SBC Communications and AT&T merged.

Earlier positions with SBC included serving as group president and CEO of Enterprise Business Services. Ferguson was responsible for sales and customer care for SBC's enterprise and federal government accounts and the corporation's long distance, Internet and data communication companies. Prior positions at SBC included president of Business Communications Services for its western U.S. operations, president of SBC federal relations in Washington, D.C., regional president for Southern California, and managing director for regulatory policy. Before joining SBC Communications in 1996, Ferguson was a senior vice president, partner and general manager at Fleishman-Hillard Inc., serving as the senior consultant to SBC companies on all communications issues.

About General Motors

General Motors (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM), one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 202,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in more than 120 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 30 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall, and Wuling. GM's largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Italy. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.

SOURCE General Motors