Chris Liddell named CFO and vice chairman of GM, will leave Microsoft on Dec. 31

Chris Liddell

General Motors announced today that Chris Liddell has been named vice chairman and chief financial officer for the Detroit automaker. Liddell was most recently CFO of Microsoft, a position he held since May 2005.

“Chris brings a depth and experience to this job that were unmatched in our search for a new financial leader,” said Ed Whitacre, GM chairman and CEO. “Chris will lead our financial and accounting operations on a global basis and will report directly to me. We’re also looking to his experience and insights in corporate strategy as a member of the senior leadership team in helping our restructuring efforts.”

Liddell, 51, will start with GM in the new year. He will be leaving Microsoft on December 31, 2009.

Before joining Microsoft, Liddell was CFO of International Paper Co., the world’s largest forest products company, with similar responsibilities. Before that he was CEO of Carter Holt Harvey Ltd., then New Zealand’s second-largest listed company. He also has worked as an investment banker as managing director and joint CEO for CS First Boston NZ Ltd.

Liddell will replace Ray Young, who will become vice president of International Operations.

– By: Omar Rana