GM Names Edward Kummer as Chief Digital Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

General Motors has appointed Edward Kummer as its new chief digital officer, effective October 16, 2021. Kummer will lead the newly established Digital Business team, focusing on enhancing digital experiences and accelerating software investments aligned with GM's Growth Strategy. With extensive experience in digital and e-commerce roles at companies like Nordstrom and Walt Disney, Kummer is expected to drive commercial success in GM's digital market. The move aligns with GM's vision for an all-electric future centered around its Ultium battery platform.

Positive

• Appointment of Edward Kummer as chief digital officer, enhancing digital strategy.
• Kummer's experience in digital transformation and e-commerce expected to accelerate GM's software initiatives.
• Focus on creating customer-centric digital experiences may strengthen market position.

Negative

• None.

DETROIT, Oct. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- General Motors today named Edward Kummer as chief digital officer, effective Oct. 16. Kummer will be responsible for building and delivering a holistic digital business guided by GM's Growth Strategy, leading a newly formed Digital Business team, and accelerating software investments that will redefine consumer expectations. He will report to GM President Mark Reuss.

Kummer was president of Nordstrom Rack's online business and Nordstrom's HauteLook brand, where he led an integrated online site and executed an omni-channel strategy, resulting in increased online sales and significant profit growth. He brings a breadth of expertise leading omni-channel, marketing and digital efforts across multiple industries that have digitally transformed for the benefit of the consumer and business growth, including travel, wealth management, consumer products, retail and entertainment.

"We are creating new digital experiences for our customers, both inside and outside of the vehicle, to enhance their lives and keep them connected to an increasingly digital world," Reuss said. "As our business model evolves to reflect the vital role that software plays in our products and services, and the new opportunities it enables, Edward's proven track record of digital and e-commerce expertise and leadership make him a huge asset for us.  He's done great work for companies known for superior customer experience, and we're delighted to have him on our team."

In his role, Kummer will be empowered to drive commercial success and strategic investments to establish digital market leadership. He will lead a dedicated digital team structured around GM's digital lines of business, each with a dedicated commercial leader who will be accountable for all aspects of the operations. This integrated approach will connect value chains and capitalize on adjacencies, enabling GM to move faster and grow its digital business while remaining hyper-focused on speed of service to the customer.

"I am passionate about GM's zero-crashes, zero-emissions and zero-congestion vision, especially its impactful role in sustainable transportation. I am excited to leverage my digital expertise to create transformative experiences that will generate a lasting connection with the customer and foster a lifelong affinity to GM's brands and products," said Kummer. "As a car enthusiast, I have been admiring the caliber of GM's vehicles. GM's innovative platform and the immense growth opportunities are particularly inspiring to me."

Kummer spent 18 years of his career at the Walt Disney Company in multiple strategic leadership roles, generating profitable results. After Disney, he led digital and e-commerce strategies for a variety of companies, including Victoria's Secret and Luxottica, and served as chief marketing and digital officer for Oakley.  Prior to joining Nordstrom, he was a managing director and chief marketing officer at Goldman Sachs. 

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at https://www.gm.com. 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gm-names-edward-kummer-as-chief-digital-officer-301393243.html

SOURCE General Motors Co.

FAQ

Who is GM's new chief digital officer as of October 2021?

Edward Kummer has been appointed as the chief digital officer of General Motors, effective October 16, 2021.

What are Edward Kummer's responsibilities at GM?

Kummer will be responsible for enhancing digital experiences and leading a new Digital Business team aligned with GM's Growth Strategy.

What is GM's focus in its digital strategy under Kummer?

GM aims to accelerate software investments and create customer-centric digital experiences.

What is the significance of the Ultium battery platform for GM?

The Ultium battery platform is central to GM's strategy for advancing an all-electric future.

When does Edward Kummer officially start his role at GM?

Edward Kummer's role as chief digital officer officially begins on October 16, 2021.