If it only lasts a year, and he's a GM, and he knew or should have known that the non-compete would be upheld in the state in which he signed it, then he would

If it only lasts a year, and he's a GM, and he knew or should have known that the non-compete would be upheld in the state in which he signed it, then he would presumably also have considered his compensation package to be adequate to cover him for that year (or arranged a golden parachute, etc). (and also add the argument already made about other jobs he could do)