European Head Of General Motors

Others must now worry about this task, as Karl-Friedrich Stracke’s resignation is now certain. The chief executive’s resignation came as a surprise to many. He took the job just over a year ago and wanted to help the struggling automaker get back on its feet.

Stracke is not leaving the company, however, but will be doing special work for the company, according to General Motors. What those will be in detail remains to be seen over time. Steven Girsky will take over as CEO for the time being until a suitable successor is found. Reasons for the resignation have not yet been disclosed.

Only in January, Stracke was promoted and given the job as European head of General Motors, a position the 56-year-old is now also giving up. Opel’s crisis is not over yet and further plant closures and layoffs are under discussion to bring the manufacturer back into the black. The closure of the plant in Bochum is to be carried out in 2017. Dan Akerson appreciates Stracke’s successes so far and the chairman of the works council Schäfer-Klug also praised the 56-year-old manager for his work and commitment.

In the eyes of experts, this move is another setback for Opel in its turnaround. It remains to be seen how future developments will proceed.