GM Announces Retirement of William E. Powell

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General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner announced today that William E. Powell, GM North America Vice President of Industry-Dealer Affairs, has elected to retire on March 1, 2009.

"Bill Powell has made tremendous contributions to GM in a variety of roles over the past 32 years, and we will miss his invaluable insights," said Wagoner. "Bill played a key role in the successful realignment of GM's Channel structure and dealer network during a challenging period for the industry. Importantly, he was instrumental in strengthening GM's dealer development program, which was the first in the industry."

Powell began his career with GM in 1977 at Buick Motor Division in Flint, Mich. He moved through a span of sales assignments prior to becoming general manager of the Dealer Network Investment and Development Group and later the regional general manager of GM's Southeast region for the Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing organization. Powell graduated with a bachelor's degree from Indiana University, and earned a master's degree from Pacific Lutheran University.