Ex-GM CEO, Chairman Smith Dead at 82

Unwitting Roger and Me costar led auto giant throughout 1980s

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 30, 2007 12:33 PM CST

(Newser) – Roger B. Smith, the chairman of General Motors from 1981 to 1990 and the subject of Michael Moore's critical documentary Roger and Me, died yesterday in Detroit at 82. "He was a leader who knew that we have to accept change, understand change, and learn to make it work for us," said current GM CEO Rick Wagoner.

A GM employee for over 40 years, Smith led the auto giant while Japanese brands were gaining traction in the American market and presided over the launch of the Saturn brand. "Roger was truly a pioneer in the fast-moving global industry that we now take for granted," says Wagoner. In Roger and Me, Moore documented his attempts to interview Smith after GM's job cuts devastated his hometown, Flint, Mich.

Former General Motors Chairman and Chief Executive Roger Smith, left, is escorted by an unidentified man on a tour of a Saturn auto plant in this Mar. 14, 1991 file photo. Smith, who led General Motors... (Associated Press)

Roger Smith, former chairman of General Motors Corporation, is seen in this 1986 file photo. Smith, who led General Motors Corp. in the 1980s and was the subject of Michael Moore's searing documentary... (Associated Press)

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Ex-GM CEO, Chairman Smith Dead at 82

Unwitting Roger and Me costar led auto giant throughout 1980s

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Ex-GM CEO, Chairman Smith Dead at 82

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

General Motors • Detroit • obituary • Michael Moore • Roger Smith

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Obama Should Campaign on Auto Bailout

Some Republicans were ready to let GM, Chrysler die: Jonathan Cohn

GM Prices Stock at $33 Ahead of IPO

Historic offering will get government some money back

GM to Restore About 600 Dealerships

Half of those that appealed will be allowed to stay open

GM Begins Hummer Shutdown

Sale of gas-guzzling brand falls through

GM to Repay Bailout Early, Posts (Smaller) $1.2B Loss

Auto giant speeds $1.2B per quarter repayment sked

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

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