A father of one of the greatest engines to come out of General Motors is set to retire. Tom Stephens, GM’s current Vice Chairman and Chief Technology Officer, will leave the company the first of April after a 43-year stint with the company. After moving around the company, Stephens eventually became in charge of the GM Powertrain Division which soon gave birth to the now-legendary Northstar engine. He also spearheaded the launch of many alternative drive systems like the early hybrids and eventually, the Chevrolet Volt.
“Tom Stephens is an engineering icon within our company and within our industry,” said GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson. Stephens got his start under the University of Michigan Student Co-op Program. He began as an hourly employee at Chevrolet’s Warren, Michigan Engineering Plant and over time, moved to Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Buick and then the GM Powertrain Division. In February, 2011, he earned his current position as Chief Technology Officer and has already helped develop future powertrain technology. “We have all benefited greatly from his passion, wisdom, and commitment to product excellence. His talent and contributions to GM are deeply appreciated and his expertise will be missed,” said Akerson who won’t have to worry too much as Stephens plans on serving on the board of directors for the Robotics Foundation and the board of trustees for the Detroit Science Center. Afterall, a Detroit gearhead will always be a Detroit gearhead.
Source: General Motors
