Cadillac's GM Moves to… HUMMER?

Why would anyone want to move from head of Cadillac to being the guy in charge of the dead brand walking known as HUMMER? Answer: they wouldn’t. But there it is: Jim Taylor is now the GM of HUMMER. Meanwhile, back at Stately Wayne Manor, Automotive News [sub] reports that “Mark McNabb, 47, remains GM North America vice president in charge of Cadillac and GM’s premium sales channel. The three general manager positions reporting to him — for the Cadillac, Hummer and Saab brands — are being eliminated.” In other words, three for one and one for three! So what happened to HUMMER’s existing GM? “Martin Walsh, 56, general manager of Hummer, will work with Taylor guiding the Hummer transition, [GM spokesfolk Joanne] Krell said. She said GM plans to appoint Walsh to a new job.” Oh, and the Saab guy? “Steve Shannon, 50, Saab’s general manager, will become executive director of product and marketing for the premium channel, reporting to McNabb.” What are we to make of all this? “By creating a new and more comprehensive leadership position for HUMMER with Jim Taylor as the top executive, we are bolstering the strategic review process and the brand.” said Mark LaNeve, GMNA vice president of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. “At the same time, we’re sharpening our focus on Cadillac as GM’s flagship brand in the global luxury marketplace under Mark McNabb’s leadership.” Me. I’m thinking deck chairs. Titanic. Feng-Shui.