Microsoft's CFO Liddell to take over as GM's finance chief

General Motors today said Chris Liddell, Microsoft Corp's outgoing finance chief, has been appointed as the vice-chairman and chief financial officer of the auto giant.

Liddell would start with GM in the new year, the company said in a statement.

Liddell, who has held the post of chief financial officer in Microsoft since May 2005, will be leaving the software giant on December 31 of this year.

"Chris brings a depth and experience to this job that were unmatched in our search for a new financial leader. Chris will lead our financial and accounting operations on a global basis and will report directly to me," GM Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre said.

"We're also looking to his experience and insights in corporate strategy as a member of the senior leadership team in helping our restructuring efforts," Whitacre added.

While at Microsoft, Liddell was responsible for leading its worldwide finance organisation, which included overseeing acquisitions, corporate strategy, treasury activities, tax planning, accounting and reporting, internal audit, and investor relations.

Liddell's appointment at GM has come at a critical point as the auto major is aiming to repay the bailout funds it received from the government in 2010.