General Motors has appointed Robert Ferguson as senior vice president (VP), global public policy. Ferguson will report directly to CEO Mary Barra and is responsible for GM’s federal, state and international government relations and public policy activities in the US and its markets around the globe. The appointment is effective immediately and Ferguson replaces Selim Bingol who left the company earlier this year.
Ferguson returns to the top public policy position having guided GM’s ignition switch recall response among lawmakers and regulators while also serving as senior vice president, Global Cadillac. During his tenure at Cadillac, GM says “the iconic nameplate became the world’s fastest-growing full-line luxury brand and sold record volumes in the important China market. With the introduction of acclaimed new products such as the CTS, ATS coupe and Escalade, the brand is positioned for even greater success”.
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“We need Bob’s leadership and full focus on rebuilding relationships and instilling confidence in GM’s efforts to create a new industry standard for safety,” said Barra. “As GM’s voice in critical policy issues, Bob will communicate a clear sense of purpose and collaborative spirit.”
Ferguson joined GM in 2010 as VP for global public policy and served in that position through October 2012. He is credited with helping GM strengthen its position on Capitol Hill, and with its many regulatory agencies, on a wide range of business challenges related to energy, tax, labour, and finance policy.
Ferguson was tapped by then-GM CEO Dan Akerson to head Cadillac’s global marketing team. During that time, Cadillac saw nearly 30% global growth, highest among all full-line luxury brands, and US growth of 22%. Cadillac’s 66% growth in the white-hot China luxury market resulted in record sales of 50,000 units, putting the brand on a path to double sales there in two years.
Prior to joining GM, Ferguson was at the business advisory and strategic communications firm Public Strategies, where he worked with a diverse and international group of clients as a senior strategist.
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By GlobalDataFerguson, who succeeds Selim Bingol, also will serve as chairman of the GM Foundation and oversee the philanthropic organisation’s contribution to the communities where GM employees live and work. Ferguson’s replacement at Cadillac will be named later.
