Mike Abbott, executive vice president of software and services at General Motors, is stepping down due to health reasons, according to a press release.
“I’ve been facing some serious health issues involving my heart that have not improved,” Abbott wrote in a LinkedIn post Tuesday. “As a father and husband, I need to prioritize my recovery and be with my family with the hope that my health will improve over time,” he added.
Abbott will remain an advisor to GM as his health allows, he wrote on Linkedin.
Baris Cetinok, GM’s current vice president of product in software and services, has been named interim head of software and services while the company searches for Abbott’s replacement.
Abbott has been leading the automaker’s software design efforts since joining the company from Apple last May. He helped lead GM’s ongoing efforts to develop its software platform, including execution and quality testing, as it prepares to launch new software-defined vehicles. He also recruited executives from tech giants Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta and Microsoft to support those efforts, according to the press release.
In addition, Abbott spearheaded efforts to bring conversational AI technology to millions of GM vehicles as part of the automaker’s partnership with Google Cloud.
GM, along with other global automakers, has been racing to develop software-defined vehicles capable of receiving regular over-the-air updates. The automaker has also been working to add more connectivity and features to its vehicles, including software-based subscription services that can generate new revenue streams.
“Mike’s contributions have been invaluable, and I look forward to him remaining part of the GM family as an advisor to me when his health permits.” GM CEO and Chair Mary Barra said in a statement. “I also have the utmost trust in the strong bench of leaders in place. His recovery is the priority, and we wish him well.”
