On June 9, 2009, Whitacre was named Chairman of General Motors. He will take over from interim chairman Kent Kresa after the company's restructuring is completed later in the year.http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/transportation/edward-whitacre-jr-named-new-gm-chairman/

In 1988, Whitacre was named the CEO of Regional Bell Operating Company, part of Southwestern Bell. He was promoted to chairman and CEO of Southwestern Bell and stayed in charge of the company as it became SBC Global, then AT&T. Whitacre contributed to several acquisitions the company made, including the 2006 purchase of BellSouth for $86 billion.http://www.businessweek.com/1999/99_15/b3624005.htm

In 2007, Whitacre announced that he would retire, effective June 3, 2007. While he had one year left on his contract, Whitacre did not elaborate on his reasons for the departure. Reports stated that he was eligible for a $158 million payout upon retirement.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/27/AR2007042702276.html