Roger Smith (business executive)

Roger Smith was a prominent American business executive who served as the chairman and CEO of General Motors (GM) from 1981 to 1990. Under his leadership, GM aimed to improve quality and competitiveness during a challenging period for the automotive industry. Smith focused on strategic planning, efficiency, and modernization of GM’s operations. His tenure is noted for efforts to reform the company's management and product development processes. While he faced criticism for limited innovation and certain customer service issues, he played a significant role in navigating GM through a complex economic landscape, shaping much of the company's direction in the 1980s.