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Who is the Head of GM?

Published in Automotive Leadership 2 mins read

Mary Barra is the current Chair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of General Motors (GM). She has held the position of CEO since January 15, 2014, making her the first woman to lead a major global automaker.

Leadership at General Motors

As the head of General Motors, Mary Barra is responsible for the overall strategic direction and operational performance of one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers. Her tenure has been marked by significant shifts in the company's focus, particularly towards electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving technologies.

Key Aspects of Her Role:

  • Strategic Vision: Guiding GM's transition to an all-electric future and a world with zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion.
  • Global Operations: Overseeing the vast global network of GM's manufacturing, sales, and development efforts across various brands like Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Buick.
  • Innovation: Driving investment and development in cutting-edge technologies, including advanced battery systems, Ultium platform, and autonomous vehicle solutions through Cruise.
  • Corporate Culture: Fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and customer focus within the organization.

Mary Barra's Journey to Leadership

Mary Barra's career at General Motors spans several decades, showcasing a deep understanding of the automotive industry from various perspectives. She began her journey with GM in 1980 as a co-op student, working her way up through numerous engineering and administrative positions.

Her career progression includes:

  • Manufacturing Engineering: Early roles in plant management and engineering.
  • Product Development: Holding significant positions such as Vice President of Global Product Development, where she was responsible for the design, engineering, and quality of GM vehicles worldwide.
  • Human Resources: Serving as the Vice President of Global Human Resources, demonstrating her versatile leadership skills.

This diverse background provided her with comprehensive insights into the company's operations before assuming the top leadership role.

Tenure at a Glance

To illustrate her long-standing commitment and leadership at GM, here's a brief overview of her current key role:

Role Name Tenure Start Date
CEO & Chair Mary Barra January 15, 2014

Under her leadership, GM has made substantial commitments to sustainability and technological advancement, aiming to redefine mobility for the future. You can learn more about General Motors and its leadership on the official GM website or explore Mary Barra's profile on GM's leadership page.