OREANDA-NEWS. General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) announced today that Craig B. Glidden has been appointed executive vice president and general counsel, effective March 1. Glidden will lead a team of staff attorneys who are integrated into all of GM’s regional and functional teams in more than 30 countries.

“Craig Glidden has had a distinguished career managing complex legal issues around the world, and his broad legal and senior management expertise fits perfectly with our strategic priorities and plans for global growth,” said GM CEO Mary Barra.

Glidden, 57, succeeds Michael Millikin, 66, who is retiring in July after a nearly four-decade legal career, including five years as GM’s general counsel. 

“I’m enthused to be joining General Motors and its management team to help drive the company forward,” said Glidden. “The company has made significant progress in recent years and I look forward to further advancing the business goals.”

Before joining GM, Glidden was executive vice president and chief legal officer for LyondellBasell Industries, one of the world’s largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies. He oversaw the company’s global legal, communications, government affairs and compliance groups.

Prior to joining LyondellBasell in August 2009, Glidden served as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. Prior to joining Chevron Phillips Chemical, he was in private law practice.

Glidden received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tulane University in 1980, graduating magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He obtained a juris doctor degree with high honors from Florida State University in 1983, where he served as editor-in-chief and managing editor of the Florida State University Law Review.

Glidden is licensed to practice law in Texas and Florida. He is a member and past chair of The General Counsel Forum and currently serves on the Board of the Houston Bar Foundation. He was based in Houston.

Barra praised Millikin for his years of service to GM. “I’d like to thank Mike for all he has done to support GM throughout his 38-year career, and especially in the time he served as general counsel. I wish him and his wife, Karen, all the best in retirement.”

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands.