GM has replaced its most senior spokesperson with his predecessor. Steve Harris rejoined GM as vice president of global communications today (1 February), replacing Tom Kowaleski, whose resignation is effective from 1 March.
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Harris, 60, led GM’s global communication organisation from 1999-2003. His career at GM began in 1967 but he moved to Chrysler in 1987, where he was director of corporate public relations and subsequently senior vice president of communications.
He returned to GM as vice president of communications in February 1999 and retired in January 2004. He runs a communications consultancy based in Birmingham, Michigan.
According to Automotive News Kowaleski is best-known for his product knowledge and is not suited to being GM’s spokesperson during its financial crisis. Kowaleski has worked in automotive communications for 26 years, including in the United States and Europe with GM, DaimlerChrysler, American Motors and Renault.
He joined GM as executive director of product communications in March 1999, was named vice president of GM North America communications in 2001, and vice president of global communications in 2004.
Harris will hold the position for around 18 months while GM grooms his successor, Automotive News said.
