GM Begins to Thin Ranks

The upper management cuts promised by CEO Fritz Henderson as General Motors Co. emerged from bankruptcy on Friday are beginning to roll out, with a trio of executives announcing departures today.

GM says longtime public-relations chief Steve Harris, 63, will retire for the second time after rejoining the auto maker in 2006. Effective Oct. 1, he’ll give way to Chris Preuss, 43, currently vice president-GM Europe communications and global product communications, who will report to Vice Chairman Bob Lutz.

The auto maker also confirms Alan Taub, 54, currently executive director, research and development, will become vice president-research and development Oct. 1, replacing a retiring Larry Burns, 58. Taub will report to Tom Stephens, vice chairman-global product development.

Named vice president and general counsel, effective July 20, is Michael Millikin, 60, currently associate general counsel. He fills the slot being vacated by Bob Osborne, who is leaving GM to return to the private practice of law. Millikin will report to Henderson.