General Motors has named John J. Quattrone as Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources. Quattrone, currently executive director of Human Resources for Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain organizations, succeeds Melissa A. Howell who is “leaving GM to pursue other interests,” corporate speak for a dismissal or resignation. He is known inside GM as a long-standing and close personal associate of CEO Mary Barra who is under attack for GM’s delayed handling of an ignition switch recall.
GM also announced that Selim Bingol, Senior Vice President, Global Communications and Public Policy, is leaving the company “to pursue other interests.” No successor was named.
The latest moves come as the media coverage of GM’s ignition switch disaster – 13 deaths alleged – is at hysterical levels. This was after Barra was severely criticized at a U.S. Congressional hearings for GM’s lack of internal corrections in the sordid matter. (See Asleep at the Switch! Head of NHTSA Friedman, GM CEO Barra Duck Tough Questions at House Hearing)
However, two lower level GM engineers who worked on the switches, which shut off and disabled the airbags on the recalled cars (GM to Replace Lock Cylinders as Ignition Switch Recall Expands) have now been suspended, post hearings. Moreover, GM says it will take a $1.3 billion charge in Q1 for its 2014 recalls announced thus far. More charges – billion dollars plus – against earnings are likely coming. (Q1 Recall Charge at GM for Ignition Switches Now at $1.3 Billion. More Shareholder Earnings Nicks Will be Coming)
Raymond DeGiorgio, the ignition engineer for small cars including the now recalled Chevrolet Cobalt, and Gary Altman, engineering manager of the small-car program, are on leave – with pay – pending the outcome of an ongoing GM internal investigation.
“This is an interim step as we seek the truth about what happened,” Mary Barra GM CEO said in a statement. “It was a difficult decision, but I believe it is best for G.M.”
Quattrone’s appointment, as well as Howell’s and Bingol’s departures are effective immediately.
Quattrone, a native of Syracuse, N.Y., began his GM career in 1975 at the Fisher Body Syracuse Plant. Since then, he has held various positions in human resources and labor relations at GM. Quattrone was appointed General Director of Human Resources for North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing in September 1996. He was appointed GM North America¹s Vice President of Human Resources in 2001 and was GM Powertrain¹s Vice President of Human Resources prior to his current assignment.
“John brings to the job a deep and rich breadth of experience across all levels of the enterprise,” said Barra. “This background is invaluable as we create lasting change that puts the customer at the center of how we work and how we measure ourselves going forward.”
Quattrone received his Bachelor of Science degree from Le Moyne College and earned a Master of Science degree from West Virginia University. Quattrone serves on the board of directors of American Society of Employers and previously served on the board of directors of Health Grades, Inc.
Bingol was Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications at AT&T before joining GM in 2010 as Senior Vice President Global Communications. Global Public Policy was added to Bingol’s portfolio in October 2012.
During his tenure, Bingol was in charge of the communications of GM’s 2010 initial public offering, the largest in history at that time, as was GM’s bankruptcy that proceeded it, as well as the introduction of new products that have received widespread acclaim for quality, styling, and performance.
