Vauxhall boss drama
November 7th, 2009 by Richard Aucock
VAUXHALL Opel president Carl-Peter Forster is to leave the company with immediate effect, it has been announced.
His departure is seen as a result of the failed takeover by Magna International.
This means GM must begin an ‘immediate external search’ for a new CEO. While that is underway, rumours suggest GM hero Bob Lutz is going to temporarily stand in for Forster.
GM big chief Fritz Henderson said that no other management changes to the Opel Europe organization are being considered at this time. ‘All key management roles remain while the search for a CEO to lead Opel Europe commences.
‘The Opel brand has made tremendous progress under Carl-Peter’s tenure and leadership over the past several years. We thank him for his significant accomplishments and wish him only the best in the future.’
Intrigue
Intriguingly, Forster is repaying this in kind, by agreeing to help the firm find a new CEO. ‘The past few years building the Opel brand has been a tremendous personal opportunity,’ he said.
‘We’ve seen great strides in design, quality and technology and the launch of truly world-class products. It’s been an honor to be part of the history of Opel, and I wish all the people with the organization only the best in what I’m certain will be a great future.’
So, why he is off? Simply because of the close link with the Magna deal, it seems. He was a close supporter of the deal; now it is dead and buried, so the figurehead who spoke such good words on the Magna deal has to go.
This story really does run and run…