GM restructures global strategy, EV executives

DETROIT -- General Motors is restructuring the leadership of its global strategy and electrified vehicle units as it begins to deploy at least 20 battery-electric and fuel cell-powered vehicles globally by 2023.

Effective Oct. 1, Pam Fletcher, vice president of Global Electric Vehicle Programs, is appointed to the newly created position of vice president, innovation.

Fletcher, 52, will become a direct report to CEO Mary Barra, reflecting GM's goal of transforming itself as a company keen to capitalize on new opportunities while being less obsessed with traditional performance measures such as sales volume and market share.

She previously reported to Doug Parks, vice president of Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Programs.

Fletcher, who was appointed to her current position nearly a year ago, will be responsible "for identifying, integrating and accelerating business opportunities that make our customers' lives easier and drive long-term value to our shareholders," according to an internal memo obtained by Automotive News.

Parks, 57, said in an emailed statement to Automotive News that Fletcher's new role will leverage her engineering and entrepreneurial background.

Parks' role will expand to include Fletcher's EV responsibilities, according to the Monday memo from Barra and Mark Reuss, executive vice president of GM's Global Product Group.

Michael Ableson, GM vice president of Global Strategy, will move to the newly created position of vice president, electric vehicle infrastructure, effective Oct. 1.

Ableson will report to Parks. His previous Global Strategy team will report to Fletcher.

Ableson, according to the memo, will be responsible "for developing the partnerships, incentives and investments needed to create the necessary electric vehicle charging infrastructure that will remove a critical barrier to acceptance of electrification."

EV charging infrastructure is a major concern for the global auto industry as automakers promise to bring EVs to the masses.

Barra has said the company will either partner, incentivize or invest to ensure charging infrastructure is available; however, no set plans have been announced.