Roger B. Smith

Roger Bonham Smith (July 12, 1925 – November 29, 2007) served as the chairman and CEO of General Motors Corporation from 1981 until 1990. He gained notable attention as the central figure in Michael Moore's 1989 documentary, *Roger & Me*, which explored the impact of corporate decisions on the lives of workers.

Taking the helm during a challenging period for GM, Smith confronted the company’s first annual loss since the early 1920s, along with numerous quality issues and unfavorable labor relations. As foreign automakers began to capture market share, Smith recognized the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of GM's operations. He initiated significant changes, including the consolidation of divisions, the creation of strategic alliances with Japanese and Korean manufacturers, and the launch of the Saturn division. Smith also championed technological advancements in automation and robotics, aiming to dismantle GM's entrenched bureaucratic culture.

Despite his ambitious vision, Smith's efforts faced substantial resistance from within the organization, limiting their effectiveness. His tenure is often characterized as controversial; while he aimed for modernization, GM's market share dwindled from 46% to 35%, leading the company to the brink of bankruptcy during the early 1990s recession. Smith's legacy remains a topic of debate among automotive historians, often seen as a reflection of the complex challenges facing legacy automakers in a rapidly changing industry.