n article published by WSJ on Dec 15, 2021 (please refer to the article GM, Ford CFOs Bring Different Backgrounds to Similar Challenges under the reading assignment folder) discussed how the new GM chief financial officer (CFO) Paul Jacobson is tackling the challenges ahead for the automobile company. In the interview, he mentioned that transformation is one of the critical missions in his new role. The maker of combustion-engine vehicles wants to become a producer of electric cars and create recurring revenue through sales of subscription services, insurance, and other products. GM eventually wants to bring self-driving vehicles to Americas roads.

From the description in the article or other sources, please describe your understanding of the job of a chief financial officer, and cite your source for information if it is from outside of the article. Does this path the role of Ford CFO surprise you? Explain your answer. Highlight evidence in the article showing that GMs long-term plans take the approaches of both vertically and horizontally integrating the businesses related to its products. Identify which evidence supports vertical integration and which supports horizontal integration.