DETROIT -

Continuing a series of upper-level management shuffling, General Motors revealed Wednesday that it assigned one of its veteran executives to the role of global chief technology officer.

Tasked with bringing greater focus and urgency to developing leading edge technology for all GM vehicles is Thomas Stephens.

The company explained the new CTO position is a major element of GM chairman and chief executive officer Dan Akerson’s goal to make the company more customer driven and technology focused. 

“Customers today expect and deserve the very best technology from their GM vehicles,” Akerson stated.

“Tom will make sure that GM technology keeps up with our customers and keeps ahead of our competitors,” Akerson continued.

As GM vice chairman and chief technology officer, GM believes Stephens will strengthen the company’s technology vision and focus, working across the global organization to anticipate and deliver innovation for customers in each market. The automaker mentioned his primary role is to seek creative solutions and game-changing technologies to help GM shape the automotive future, leveraging internal and external partnerships to benefit customers today and tomorrow. 

Furthermore, the OEM said Stephens also will be responsible for the company’s research and development organization led by GM vice president Alan Taub. 

Stephens most recently was vice chairman of global product operations. During his 42-year career, GM indicated Stephens has held a number of key positions, including vice president of engineering in both the former GM Powertrain organization and GM Truck Group, vice president of vehicle integration and executive vice president of Global Powertrain and Global Quality.

Early in his career, the company noted Stephens was assistant chief engineer of the Cadillac Northstar engine and plant manager of the Livonia Engine Plant. Based on his broad experience and expertise, GM highlighted that Stephens was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering for his leadership role in the development of automotive powertrains with improved performance, fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

GM mentioned Stephens, 62, will continue to report to Akerson and remain on the company’s executive committee. His move becomes effective on Feb. 1. 

“Today’s cars and trucks are technology on wheels,” Stephens emphasized. “I’m excited about working with the GM team in new ways and focusing my energy to keep us on the leading edge of automotive innovation."

GM pointed out a successor for Stephens in global product development will be announced soon.

The decision to shift Stephens into a new role continues the string of changes made by GM.

Back in December, Akerson elevated Joel Ewanick to global chief marketing officer, responsible for GM’s brands globally.

And this week, GM announced more leadership changes in its U.S. marketing operations, including tapping Chris Perry as vice president to take Ewanick’s place. A complete report from Auto Remarketing on those developments is available here.

Also coming to light just two weeks after announcing that OnStar will soon be available as an aftermarket rearview mirror, the automaker said Linda Marshall will become the new president of this division. Marshall, a longtime Akerson colleague who had been executive director of OnStar’s global business strategy and development since November, replaces Christopher Preuss.

More details from Auto Remarketing about the OnStar changes are available here.