In a move that took even long-time observers of the auto industry by surprise, Fritz Henderson resigned from the job of CEO of General Motors yesterday. Daniel Howes has a good look at what he sees as the reason for the departure – a push for speedy resolution to GM’s problems.

“I was totally shocked,” a ranking GM executive told me, calling Henderson’s dismissal a “destabilizing event. This is the second time this year a superb problem-solver has been asked to leave the company. We are making progress on so many fronts. I wonder if the pace of expectations … is realistic.”

Will this make the company’s targets of bailout repayment and a new stock offering easier or more difficult? Time will tell.