Roger Smith, former GM Chairman dies at the age of 82
Former General Motors Corporation chairman Roger Smith died Thursday of an unspecified illness. Roger Smith ran the corporation during the 1980s and became the target of severe scrutiny when he became the target in one of Michael Moore’s controversial documentaries, Roger and Me.
Roger Smith became chairman and chief executive of GM in January 1981. During his appointment a leader of the company, GM introduced its first front-wheel drive midsize car. The company also formed a joint venture with Toyota Motor and created the Saturn brand. Many considered him a pioneer in the globalization of the car market.
“He was a leader who knew that we have to accept change, understand change, and learn to make it work for us,†said current GM chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner.
Controversy struck Roger when Moore’s movie hit theaters, scrutinizing the GMs plant closings and layoffs and how they affected the small town of Flint, Michigan.
You can read more on the NY Times web site.
