DETROIT — In a surprise development, General Motors’ chairman and chief executive, Edward E. Whitacre Jr., announced Thursday that he would step down as chief executive on Sept. 1 and be succeeded by Daniel F. Akerson, a G.M. board member and a managing director of the Carlyle Group.
Mr. Whitacre, 68, said he would stay on as chairman until the end of the year, when Mr. Akerson would assume that role as well.
“I believe we’ve accomplished what we set out to do,” Mr. Whitacre said. “We’re going to have a smooth seamless transition here.”
Full story: Whitacre Plans to Step Down as Chief of G.M. – NYTimes.com