GM Michigan Global Product Development Gets New VP: Mary Barra
DETROIT, M.I. – GM Michigan executives have been shifting around both before and after the arrival of Chief Executive Dan Akerson, and the latest changeup finds Mary Barra moving from vice president of Global Human Resources to her new role as senior vice president of Global Product Development.
According to a press release issued by GM, Barra will be responsible for the leading the design, engineering, program management and quality of vehicles for the company's 11 brands around the world.
"Mary will bring a fresh perspective to the critically important job of developing vehicles that delight global customers," said Dan Akerson, GM Chairman and CEO. "Her broad experience in engineering, manufacturing and staff functions, combined with the ability to collaborate and build strong relationships, will enhance the company's ability to deliver the products today's consumers demand."
Barra has many years of GM Michigan experience having started her career with the automaker in 1980 as a co-op student of the General Motors Institute—now Kettering University—at the Pontiac Motor Division. She received her B.S. in Electrical Engineering and later received a GM fellowship, sending her to the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where she earned her MBA in Business Administration in 1990. Within GM Michigan, she has worked mainly in manufacturing, eventually rising up to be the VP of Global Human Resources.
Barra's predecessors include Tom Stephens who occupied the position for a short time, just two years since the retirement of Robert Lutz. Stephens has been named the global chief technology officer.
In her new role, Barra will oversee GM's product development across the globe; however, many in the industry say it will still be a few years before any large effects of Barra's decisions will be seen.
Bob Lutz told the Detroit Free Press that Barra is a "good leader" and added, "There is every reason to believe she will be successful, especially with the excellent team that is in place under her."
Additional executive changes at GM include Joel Ewanick's move to head of global marketing last month; Chris Perry filling Ewanick's role as vice president, U.S. marketing; and Amanda Marshall—who used to work at Nextel Communications when Akerson was at the helm—to president of GM's OnStar safety, security and information services business.
Some say all of the impermanency in the executive ranks reflects not bad things to come but instead GM's commitment to reinvigorating its product lineup now and in the future with fresh product.
[Source(s): Detroit Free Press, General Motors, Los Angeles Times, USA Today]
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