Former GM CEO, Robert Stempel, Passes Away At 77

William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

May 10, 2011

Robert C. Stempel, the former CEO of General Motors from 1990 to 1992 passed away today in Florida at age 77. Stempel began his career at GM in 1958 at Oldsmobile. He would become the head of Pontiac, Opel, and the Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac group before being named CEO in 1990. His tenure of being GM's CEO would be short. A $7 Billion loss in 1991, 12 plant closures, and 74,000 jobs caused the board to force Stempel out in 1992.

Stempel was however a gifted engineer, leading the development of catalytic converter during the 70's. He also played a big role in pushing GM to build the EV1 during early 90's.

After leaving GM, Stempel went to ECD Ovonics, a battery and alternative energy firm in Auburn Hills, MI. He would serve as the chairman and later on, the CEO. At the time of his death, Stempel was on the board of Envia Systems, a small green storage systems company.

Source: The Detroit News

Statement is Below

GM Statement on passing of former Chairman and CEO Robert C. Stempel

“The General Motors family mourns the passing of Bob Stempel, who admirably led the company during very difficult times in the early 1990s. Bob was a very popular chairman with employees, and his many accomplishments as a visionary engineer included leading the development of the catalytic converter, one of the great environmental advancements in auto history.

"His knowledge of battery development led to the push for the EV1 electric car, and Bob continued to build his expertise in the electrification of the automobile after he left GM in 1992."

I remember reading about how he used to keep a piece of legal pad paper in his suit pocket with the names of the plants he would have to close if things didn't get better at GM. I always felt like he was a "fall-guy" and very talented.