GM's Wagoner's new right-hand man

General Motors has announced that it is recalling Frederick Henderson, the chairman of GM's European division, back to North America.

Henderson, who helped slashed 12,000 jobs in Europe since 2004, will be assisting GM's Chief Executive Rick Wagoner as the CEO prepares to cut more than double that number in U.S. employees and close twelve facilities.

GM has declined further comments about the chairman's role.

[UPDATE: Henderson will step in as the new CFO when current CFO John Devine steps down after his contract expires this month.]