Opel Loses Another Veteran, Hyundai Snags A GM Vet
Automotive News Europe [sub] reports that, having lost “Mr Opel” to Volkswagen, GM’s European division is losing another veteran to the competition. The company announced:
We regret that Frank Weber has quit. We thank him for what he has done and wish him the best for the future
Weber, Opel’s product boss, had previously led GM’s global midsize vehicle development and was the head of electric vehicle development (where he wetnursed the Volt) before moving to Opel. It’s not clear where he’ll be going, but he will be going to an “as-yet-unnamed competitor.”In other industry personnel news, AN [sub] reports that Hyundai has hired GM veteran Steve Shannon to fill its head marketing position, which was opened when Joel Ewanick left for Nissan and then GM. Shannon previously held marketing positions at Saturn, Olds, Buick, Hummer, Saab and Cadillac in his more than 25 years at GM.
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What do you think are the odds that Weber will end up at VW too? As for Shannon, he could just be a place-holder until someone better can get out of a non-compete. Hopefully the folks who do the actual work there will ignore him and continue doing what they're doing. Regardless, the average shelf life of a CMO in any industry is 18-24 months. Plus, Hyundai has always been a revolving door for top American execs. On that basis, I'd give Shannon a year and
Saturn: "Re-think American". Olds: "Start Something". Saab: "Born From Jets." I can't even remember a cohesive marketing plan that could identify Buick or Cadillac over the past few years. Hummer at the crest of the SUV craze pretty much advertised and marketed itself. I hope Hyundai isn't getting too big too fast and heading for a quick GM like burn out. Hiring executives from GM is like mixing anti freeze in your Gatorade. Tastes good but a slow painful death ensues.