Cadillac Gets a Global Brand Chief

General Motors Co. has appointed Robert Ferguson, formerly the company's vice president for global public policy, to the newly created position of vice president of global Cadillac.

Reporting directly to CEO Dan Akerson, Ferguson now oversees marketing, brand management and advertising for Cadillac worldwide. GM says he will add responsibility for the luxury brand's global sales in 2013.

Ferguson, 53, spent 10 years at AT&T, most recently as head of the telecom's state legislative and regulatory affairs. He later joined Public Strategies, the business advisory firm, before coming to GM two years ago.

Ferguson's assignment is the latest effort by GM to promote Cadillac outside North America. The brand has begun its most extensive product upgrade in history and is determined to compete with such entrenched global luxury brands such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.