Why would auto neophyte head GM?

Now I've heard everything. There was an announcement that General Motors would now be headed up by a familiar name. But not one known for making cars. As a matter of record this person has openly acknowledged that he knows nothing about making cars. He's a big wheel that knows nothing about four wheels. Yet it appears that Ed Whitacre will get the nod as CEO of GM.

After quietly putting AT&T back together after being divested 25 years ago, Mr. Whitacre received quite the golden handshake. For his efforts he was paid $165 million. It seems that at a time when corporate gluttony has become unfashionable, why would an automotive neophyte be asked to head up GM?

Mike Simon

Glen Ellyn