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DETROIT — General Motors announced this week that a member of its board of directors who helped the company steer through its bankruptcy proceedings has retired. That member is Kent Kresa.

In accordance with company guidelines, GM said members are ineligible for re-election after the age of 72.

Kresa, who is 72, was appointed to the board of the old GM in October 2003, after retiring as chairman of Northrop Grumman Corp. The company recalled Kresa served on the board of old GM through July 9, 2009, and was then elected to the board of the new GM on July 10, 2009. 

During his tenure, executives noted Kresa has served on the investment fund, director and corporate governance and audit committees.

"Drawing from his experiences at Northrop, one of the world's leading aeronautics companies, Kent was adamant that GM keep up with or lead key technological advances for the industry. And that's one of our biggest strengths today," noted GM chairman and chief executive officer Ed Whitacre Jr.

"Having led Northrop through crisis and renewal, Kent provided calm leadership and sensible guidance as GM's interim chairman during what was a period of intense change, challenge and uncertainty for the company," Whitacre continued.

"We thank Kent with enormous gratitude for his dedicated service and many contributions to GM," Whitacre concluded.