Notre Dame High School alumnus Tony Cervone was named senior vice president of GM global communications, effective immediately. He will report to CEO Mary Barra and rejoins GM from Volkswagen where he served as executive vice president of group communications for Volkswagen Group of America.
Cervone graduated from Notre Dame in Harper Woods in 1981. His son, Austin, graduated May 18 from Notre Dame Prep and another son, Connor, graduated from NDP in 2012.
In comments released from General Motors on the day of the announcement, CEO Barra said, “Tony brings an ideal mix of outside perspective and experience that complements a deep background in GM and today’s global auto industry. I’ve worked with Tony in the past and he has my trust and respect. I know he’ll be another catalyst for change on our leadership team.”
Cervone, 51, will have overall responsibility for GM’s global communications, including global products and brands, corporate, social media, executive support, and internal communications.
“It’s a great time to rejoin GM,” Cervone said. “A re-energized leadership team, the best products in its history, a renewed commitment to individual customer experiences, and a compelling drive for cultural change all combine to make this a key moment in this great company's history. I’m proud to be a part of both the leadership and Communications teams.”
Cervone has held top communications positions in the automotive and aviation industries. Prior to Volkswagen, he was senior vice president for communications for United Airlines and was a key part of the team that oversaw the carrier’s merger with Continental Airlines.
He joined United from GM where he served as vice president of global communications strategy and operations. His 10-year career at GM also included leading GM’s international communications operations in Europe. Cervone originally joined GM from Chrysler Group where he was vice president for communications and held various communications positions during a 14-year career at the Auburn Hills, Mich.-based automaker.
Cervone succeeds Selim Bingol who left GM in April to pursue other interests.
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.