More broadly, the move should serve two purposes for GM CEO Dan Akerson and a marketing brain trust that has been amorphously structured since the infamous departure of Joel Ewanick as global CMO last spring.

FORBES: Mahoney Leaps From VW To Head Chevy Global Marketing

The disruptions obviously were aimed at setting things right in the longer term, but GM CEO Dan Akerson cut short any chance that Ewanick had to see the promised payoffs from many of his major initiatives.

FORBES: Ewanick Failed at GM Because Omission Became Main Mission