GM Sales Chief LaNeve Leaves the Automaker

GM Sales Chief LaNeve Leaves the Automaker

Mark LaNeve, General Motors vice president of U.S. sales, is leaving the automaker effective October 15, GM CEO Fritz Henderson announced Wednesday morning.

The announcement comes as no surprise as GM has cut about a third of its management ranks since emerging from bankruptcy in July. GM sales and market share continue to shrink. In July, LaNeve's role at GM was narrowed to U.S. sales only. Bob Lutz, who chose to stay with the company instead of leaving as he had planned, took over marketing.

Henderson said his replacement has not been selected but that the company would move fast to find one. He also didn't rule out bringing someone from the outside.

LaNeve has taken a position in a business outside of the auto industry.

"Mark has contributed significantly to GM in several key positions, including transforming the Cadillac brand and leading the vehicle sales, service and marketing organization during one of the most challenging periods in GM's history," Henderson said in a statement. "I'd like to thank Mark for his dedication and wish him and his family well as he moves to a key position at another company."

Until a permanent replacement is found, Jim Bunnell, general manager of U.S. sales, and his team will continue to follow through with GM's dealer network plans, GM said. -- Michelle Krebs, Senior Analyst and Editor at Large

Michelle Krebs:  is Editor-in-Chief of AutoObserver.com. Follow @AutoObserver on Twitter.