Semon 'Bunkie' Knudsen 1939: Graduated from MIT with a master's degree in engineering and joined GM 1955: Appointed general manager of GM's Detroit Diesel Engine Division1956: Appointed general manager of Pontiac 1961: Appointed general manager of Chevrolet 1967: Passed over for GM presidency 1968: Quit GM on Feb. 1; became president of Ford Motor Co. on Feb. 6 1969: Fired by Henry Ford II 1971: Became chairman of White Motor Corp. 1980: Retired 1998: Died at age 85
Thirty-five years ago, it was unheard of for a top auto executive to quit his job and join a competitor. When you went to work for an automaker, it was understood that you would finish your career there - maybe 40 years later, maybe more.
