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Who is Mary Barra?

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In an industry once ruled by men, Mary Barra has made history. She is the first female CEO of General Motors (GM), the world’s second-largest automaker after Toyota1. Barra’s journey to the top has inspired many, leading over 30,000 employees worldwide at GM1.

Starting as a co-op student at GM at 18, Barra has spent 40 years with the company. Her father’s 40-year career at GM’s Pontiac Division gave her an early start in the automotive world2. This set the stage for her own impressive rise to leadership2.

Key Takeaways

  • Mary Barra is the first female CEO of General Motors, a historic milestone in the male-dominated auto industry.
  • Barra has over four decades of experience at GM, starting as a co-op student and working her way up to the top leadership position.
  • Barra oversees more than 30,000 employees worldwide at GM, the world’s second-largest automaker.
  • Barra has been recognized as one of the most influential women in business, receiving numerous accolades and awards.
  • Under Barra’s leadership, GM has focused on modernizing its product lineup and embracing new technologies like electric vehicles and autonomous driving.

Early Life and Background

Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors (GM), was born in Royal Oak, Michigan. She has Finnish roots from her grandfather, Viktor Mäkelä3. Growing up in Detroit’s automotive culture, she was surrounded by cars from a young age. Her father worked at GM’s Pontiac Division for nearly 40 years3.

Finnish Heritage and Family Roots

Barra’s Finnish ancestry has greatly influenced her. Her grandfather, Viktor Mäkelä, came from Finland. He taught her the value of hard work and perseverance4.

Growing Up in Detroit’s Automotive Culture

Barra grew up in the heart of Detroit’s car world. Her father’s long career at GM gave her a deep understanding of the auto industry4.

Educational Journey

3 She started at Kettering University (formerly General Motors Institute) with a degree in Electrical Engineering3. Then, she got an MBA from Stanford University on a GM fellowship3. This showed her dedication to the auto industry and her love for learning.

“I’m honored to lead this great company and our talented team as we continue to transform GM to be more customer-focused, resilient and innovative, while leaving a positive impact on society.”

Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors

Rise Through the Ranks at General Motors

Mary Barra worked at General Motors for over 30 years. She moved from engineering to human resources and product development5. She never stayed in one job for more than four years5.

She joined GM in 1980, starting as a co-op student. She checked fender panels and hoods6. She moved up, becoming plant manager of Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly7.

In 2008, Barra became the first female head of manufacturing and engineering at GM7. She was the first female CEO in 20147. Her success broke the glass ceiling and inspired others.

Barra has always focused on innovation and sustainability6. GM has invested in electric and autonomous vehicles. They bought Cruise Automation for over $1 billion in 20166.

Barra’s career shows her leadership and technical skills5. She has made the automotive industry more diverse and inclusive7.

Making History as Mary Barra Becomes CEO

In 2014, Mary Barra made history as the first female CEO of a major global automaker, General8. She faced a big challenge early on: the ignition switch recall crisis. This involved recalling about 30 million vehicles starting in 20148.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Automotive Industry

Barra became the first female CEO in the male-dominated automotive industry9. Women hold only 22.5% of Fortune 500 board seats. Only 60 women have been CEOs at a Fortune 500 company9. Her rise at General Motors broke barriers for women in leadership roles in the automotive sector.

First Major Challenges as CEO

Barra’s first big challenge was the ignition switch recall crisis. She focused on being transparent and empowering employees. She also worked to improve safety and company culture, showing her leadership style and focus on customer experience and innovation.

Leadership Style and Management Philosophy

Barra’s leadership is about empowering employees and clear communication. She focuses on the company and its customers for success and change. Under her, GM has beaten earnings forecasts 34 out of 35 quarters8. The company’s stock has dropped 10.5% during her time8.

She has also led GM’s shift to electric and autonomous vehicles. The company aims to only offer EVs by 2035 and will spend $35 billion on these technologies by 20258.

“Barra’s leadership style emphasizes customer experience, innovation in electric and autonomous vehicles, and creating an inclusive work environment.”

Transforming General Motors for the Future

Mary Barra has led General Motors (GM) on a journey to change the car industry. She focuses on electric vehicles, self-driving cars, and being green. Barra aims to make GM a leader in innovation and change10.

Barra is committed to making GM electric by 203511. She’s investing a lot in electric car tech, aiming for 1 million EVs by 202510. GM now has nine electric cars and trucks, with four more coming soon11.

Barra also pushes for self-driving cars. GM’s Cruise unit is working hard on this tech, but a recent accident has stopped them for now10. Barra believes in always adapting and making smart choices to keep GM ahead10.

Source Links

  1. What Drives Mary Barra – https://stanfordmag.org/contents/what-drives-mary-barra
  2. » Mary Barra | Automotive Hall of Fame – https://www.automotivehalloffame.org/honoree/mary-barra/
  3. How Mary Barra Went From Inspecting Fender Panels To GM’s First Female CEO – https://www.businessinsider.com/mary-barra-gm-ceo-career-bio-2013-12
  4. Mary Barra – https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/programs/mba/life-community/alumni/voices/mary-barra
  5. GM CEO Mary Barra on the pivotal breakthrough that catapulted her to the corner office – https://fortune.com/2024/10/07/mary-barra-general-motors-women-ceo-leadership/
  6. Mary Barra at General Motors: Curiosity in Leadership – https://medium.com/@nareshnavinash/mary-barra-at-general-motors-curiosity-in-leadership-6f6ab8b64faa
  7. Rise to the Top – DBusiness Magazine – https://www.dbusiness.com/mi-makers/rise-to-the-top/
  8. 10 years in, GM CEO Mary Barra has built her legacy on change and crisis. 2024 will bring new tests – https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/15/for-10-year-gm-ceo-mary-barra-2024-is-about-change-and-crisis.html
  9. Women’s History Month: Mary Barra – https://blog.apeelsciences.com/womens-history-month-mary-barra
  10. GM CEO Mary Barra has spent a decade determined not to be disrupted. How she’s transforming the auto giant for the EV future – https://fortune.com/2024/10/02/gm-ceo-mary-barra-cruise-electric-vehicles/
  11. GM’s CEO on electric vehicles: “This is one of the most exciting times in our industry” – https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gm-ceo-mary-barra-on-general-motors-electric-vehicles-and-ev-future/

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