DETROIT (AP) -- General Motors Co. said Monday it has named board member Stephen J. Girsky vice chairman of corporate strategy and business development.

The promotion likely means an even bigger role for Girsky, 47, a longtime Wall Street auto analyst who was named to GM's board of directors last July representing the United Auto Workers union. Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre -- who was an auto industry newcomer when he joined GM last summer -- has said he relies heavily on Girsky for advice.