DETROIT – General Motors has announced that Linda Marshall (pictured) has been appointed president of OnStar, effective February 1, 2011. Marshall succeeds J. Christopher Preuss, who has elected to leave the company to launch a communications consultancy practice.

"As we continue to evolve the OnStar brand and bring new features to our customers, we believe Linda’s deep experience can take the brand and platform to the next level,” said Stephen J. Girsky, vice chairman, corporate strategy and business development. “Over the past year, Chris was instrumental in helping create a clear vision and strategy for aligning OnStar with GM infotainment plans and entering the retail market. We thank Chris for his many contributions to GM and wish him every success.”

Marshall, who will report to Girsky, joined GM in November 2010 as executive director, OnStar global business strategy and development. Prior to joining OnStar, she was the chief operating officer for Revol Wireless, according to GM.

GM stated that Marshall has more than two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, including senior executive-level roles at both Sprint Nextel and Verizon Wireless. She holds a bachelors of science in accounting and business from Elmhurst College and completed the Executive Management Program at Stanford University.