GM replaces communications and human resources execs

General Motors announced Monday the company is replacing its top communications and human resources executives, effective immediately.

Selim Bingol, senior vice president, global communications and public policy, and Melissa A. Howell, senior vice president, global human resources, are both leaving the company to “pursue other interests,” GM said in a statement.

John J. Quattrone, formerly executive director of human resources for global product development, purchasing and supply chain organizations, will succeed Howell.

Quattrone, who started his GM career in 1975 at the Fisher Body Syracuse Plant, has also served as GM North America’s vice president of human resources, and was GM Powertrain’s vice president of human resources before his current post.

During his tenure as the automaker’s top communications executive, Bingol oversaw the communications strategy for GM’s 2010 initial public offering and a number of new product rollouts.

His successor will be named at a later date.

The shake-up comes as GM tries to rehab its image after large-scale recalls, congressional hearings and lingering questions of safety and accountability have marred the company in the first part of the year.