It’s war out there: GM adds retired Admiral Michael Mullen to its board

In a rather curious move, General Motors has announced it will add former Joints Chiefs of Staff Chairman Michael Mullen to its board of directors.

The addition takes effect on Friday, February 1, and brings the board to a total of 15 members.

Michael Mullen is a retired Navy Admiral who was the main military adviser to U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama from 2007 to 2011. Mullen has overseen the military during the end of the combat mission in Iraq and the development of a new military strategy for Afghanistan.

According to GM CEO Dan Akerson, Mullen was added to the board as he has experience in change management, strategic planning and technical innovation. “We’re fortunate to have Admiral Mullen join GM’s Board of Directors. He brings proven leadership and deep experience in change management, strategic planning, technical innovation and risk management gained over the course of his 43 years serving our country,” Akerson said in a statement.

During his activity in the U.S. Navy, Mullen commanded three ships, an aircraft carrier battle group and a fleet, GM said in a statement. Mullen was chief of naval operations from 2005 to 2007. Mullen is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, just like Dan Akerson. He also finished the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.