# Mary Barra > Chief Executive Officer of General Motors **Wikidata**: [Q6779013](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6779013) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Barra) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mary-barra ## Summary Mary Barra is an American business executive who serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of General Motors (GM), a position she has held since January 15, 2014. As the first female CEO of a major global automaker, she has led GM's transition to electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies. Barra is recognized for her leadership in navigating the company through significant industry shifts and corporate challenges. ## Biography - **Born**: December 24, 1961, in Royal Oak, Michigan, U.S. - **Nationality**: American - **Education**: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Kettering University (1985), Master's in Business Administration from Stanford Graduate School of Business (1990) - **Known for**: Leadership in automotive innovation, sustainability initiatives, and corporate restructuring - **Employer(s)**: General Motors (current), previous roles within GM include Executive Vice President of Global Product Development and Chief Engineer - **Field(s)**: Automotive industry, business management ## Contributions - **Leadership at GM**: Became CEO in 2014, overseeing GM's pivot to electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving, including the development of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and investments in Cruise, a self-driving technology company. - **Sustainability Initiatives**: Committed GM to achieving carbon neutrality in its global products and operations by 2040 and offering 30 EV models globally by 2025. - **Corporate Restructuring**: Led GM through significant organizational changes, including the sale of Opel/Vauxhall in 2017 and the restructuring of GM's North American operations. - **Industry Influence**: Advocated for federal policies supporting EV adoption and infrastructure development, shaping the automotive industry's shift toward electrification. ## FAQs **Q: What is Mary Barra's educational background?** A: Barra holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Kettering University (1985) and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business (1990). **Q: What are Mary Barra's key achievements at GM?** A: She spearheaded GM's transition to electric vehicles, launched the Chevrolet Bolt EV, and committed the company to carbon neutrality by 2040. She also navigated GM through major corporate restructuring efforts. **Q: What leadership roles has Mary Barra held before becoming CEO?** A: Prior to her CEO role, Barra served as Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Senior Vice President of Global Product Development, and Chief Engineer of the Chevrolet Malibu. **Q: How has Mary Barra influenced the automotive industry?** A: Barra has driven industry-wide adoption of electric vehicles and autonomous technologies, advocated for supportive policies, and demonstrated strategic leadership in sustainability and innovation. ## Why They Matter Mary Barra's leadership has been pivotal in transforming General Motors into a leader in the global transition to electric mobility and autonomous driving. Her strategic vision and commitment to sustainability have repositioned GM as a competitive force in the evolving automotive landscape. Under her tenure, GM has made significant investments in emerging technologies, influencing industry standards and consumer expectations. Barra's role as the first female CEO of a major automaker also underscores her impact on diversity and inclusion in corporate leadership. ## Notable For - First female CEO of a major global automaker (2014). - Led GM's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2040. - Oversaw the development and launch of the Chevrolet Bolt EV. - Named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People (2013, 2019). - Recipient of the Padma Bhushan Award (2023) for her contributions to the automotive industry. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Mary Teresa Barra was born on December 24, 1961, in Royal Oak, Michigan. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Kettering University in 1985 and later obtained an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1990. Her educational foundation in engineering and business laid the groundwork for her career in the automotive industry. ### Career at General Motors Barra joined General Motors in 1980 as an intern and progressed through various engineering and leadership roles. Key milestones include: - **Chief Engineer of the Chevrolet Malibu** (1993–1995) - **Director of the North American Truck Platform** (1995–2000) - **Senior Vice President of Global Product Development** (2011–2013) - **Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Purchasing, and Supply Chain** (2013–2014) ### CEO Leadership As CEO since 2014, Barra has driven GM's strategic focus on innovation and sustainability: - **Electric Vehicle Expansion**: Launched the Chevrolet Bolt EV (2017) and committed to offering 30 EV models globally by 2025. - **Autonomous Driving**: Invested in Cruise, a self-driving technology company, to advance autonomous vehicle development. - **Sustainability Commitments**: Pledged to achieve carbon neutrality in GM's operations by 2040 and transition to 100% renewable energy by 2035. - **Corporate Restructuring**: Oversaw the sale of Opel/Vauxhall to PSA Group in 2017 and restructured GM's North American manufacturing footprint. ### Industry Influence and Advocacy Barra has been a vocal advocate for policies supporting EV adoption, including federal tax incentives and investments in charging infrastructure. Her leadership has influenced industry-wide shifts toward electrification and sustainability, positioning GM as a key player in the global automotive market. ### Recognition and Awards - **Time 100 Most Influential People** (2013, 2019) - **Padma Bhushan Award** (2023), India's third-highest civilian honor, recognizing her contributions to the automotive industry - **Forbes World's 100 Most Powerful Women** (multiple years) ### Legacy Mary Barra's legacy is defined by her transformative leadership at GM, her advocacy for sustainability, and her role as a trailblazer for women in corporate leadership. Her strategic decisions have ensured GM's relevance in a rapidly evolving industry, emphasizing innovation, responsibility, and long-term vision. ## References 1. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20220131121232/https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2021/) 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 4. Munzinger Personen 5. Davos 2015 Participant List 6. Davos 2016 Participant List 7. Davos 2017 Participant List 8. Global Conference 2022 - Speakers 9. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/mary-barra-107aIXBCw2/appearances)