New Zealander Chris Liddell, formerly an executive at Microsoft, has been named as General Motors' new chief financial officer.
His is the struggling carmaker's highest-profile appointment since it entered bankruptcy protection this year, after being hit by slumping sales.
Until recently, Mr Liddell was the chief financial officer at Microsoft, a position he held for more than four years, after joining from the paper and packaging maker International Paper.
The 51-year-old previously headed Carter Holt Harvey, and has worked as an investment banker.
In recent years, GM has faced sharp criticism for its financial management, with former chief executive Fritz Henderson quitting this month after coming under pressure from the board.