Linda Marshall, head of GM's OnStar unit, steps down
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Linda Marshall, who introduced a version of OnStar that sells at national retail chains for under $300, has left the company, GM said Tuesday. Photo credit: Joe Wilssens |
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DETROIT -- Linda Marshall has left her post as president of General Motors' OnStar division, one year after GM CEO Dan Akerson picked her to run the telematics unit.
Marshall is leaving "to pursue other interests," GM said in a statement.
"Under her leadership, OnStar restructured the organization and implemented important long-term initiatives to further grow the business in the future and strengthen its foundation," GM said.
Terry Inch, director of OnStar sales, marketing and business planning, will oversee day-to-day operations while GM searches for a replacement.
Marshall took the job in February 2011, replacing public relations executive Chris Preuss. She is a telecommunications industry veteran who once worked for Akerson when he was CEO of Nextel Communications Inc.
Onstar has been led by three executives since longtime chief Chet Huber retired in 2009.
Preuss ran Onstar for just over a year, after replacing Walt Dorfstatter, who held the job for just seven months after Huber.
Marshall has focused on expanding OnStar into overseas markets, especially China. She also has overseen the rollout of an aftermarket OnStar product that can be installed as a rearview mirror, including on non-GM vehicles.
In September, GM was forced to backtrack on a planned policy change that would have allowed it to collect customer data even after drivers discontinued their OnStar service. Marshall issued a statement apologizing for "any confusion or concern" the proposal caused.
Marshall reported to GM Vice Chairman Steve Girsky, who oversees OnStar.
You can reach Mike Colias at mcolias@crain.com.
