GM names Stephens global technology chief

DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Co (GM.N), said on Wednesday that Tom Stephens, the automaker's product chief for almost two years, would take the newly created position of global technology officer.

The move represents the third major executive change announced by GM Chief Executive Dan Akerson in recent weeks.

Akerson, who took over as CEO in September and guided the automaker through its November IPO, has said he wants to expand what he sees as its lead in areas like electric car technology.

Stephens, 62, will keep his vice chairman title and remain on GM's executive committee. A successor to Stephens as global product development head will be announced soon, GM said.

Last month, GM promoted former Hyundai Motor Co (005380.KS) executive Joel Ewanick to head up its global marketing efforts. And on Tuesday, GM announced that former telecommunications executive Linda Marshall would take over as president of its communications and electronics unit, OnStar.

Marshall joined GM in November as executive director of OnStar's global business strategy and development. She will report to Steve Girsky, vice chairman for corporate strategy and business development.

Girsky, in a briefing with reporters last week, said Akerson was looking for ways to foster more innovative, long-term thinking from its engineers and researchers.

In the run-up to its 2009 bankruptcy, GM had often been criticized for focusing too much on short-term profitability while ignoring the rise of trends and technologies like hybrids where rivals moved faster.

"We're looking at this now from a long-term perspective, not just a short-term, because we've been doing a lot of short-term stuff," Stephens told Reuters.

He added: "It's very important to the company that we get this right," said Stephens.

Stephens, a one-time dragstrip racer and 42-year veteran of GM, has held a series of engineering and management positions, including responsibility for GM's engine and transmission development efforts.

He is the only remaining senior executive to have served under the three CEOs who have headed the automaker since March 2009.

(Reporting by Bernie Woodall; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)