Leading the Way

“And no matter what business you go into, you only win when your customer says you win.”

Mary Barra is an influential figure in the automotive industry, currently serving as the Chair and CEO of General Motors since 2014 She holds the distinction of being the first woman to lead a major automaker among the Detroit "Big Three" (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors).

Here's a summary of her career highlights:

Leading General Motors: Barra has been at the helm of GM since 2014, overseeing a period of transformation focused on electric vehicles, self-driving car technology, and a strong customer experience [GM].
Electric Vehicle Focus: Under her leadership, GM has committed significant resources to developing electric vehicles (EVs), aiming to produce 1 million EVs by the end of 2025.
Board Positions: In addition to her role at GM, Barra serves on the boards of prominent organizations like the Walt Disney Company and the Stanford University Board of Trustees.

About

Biography

Early Life

Mary Teresa Barra was born on December 24, 1961, in Royal Oak, Michigan. She grew up in Waterford, Michigan, where her father, Ray Makela, worked as a die maker for Pontiac, a division of General Motors, for nearly 40 years. This connection to the automotive industry would influence her career path significantly.

Barra's early interest in engineering was nurtured by her father, who often discussed his work at GM. Her curiosity and passion for understanding how things worked were evident from a young age. She attended Waterford Mott High School, where she excelled academically, especially in math and science.

Education

After high school, Barra pursued her interest in engineering by enrolling at the General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) in Flint, Michigan. This institution offered a cooperative education program that allowed students to gain practical work experience while studying. Barra took advantage of this opportunity, working at various GM plants and gaining hands-on experience in the automotive industry.

She graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Barra's time at the General Motors Institute was pivotal, providing her with a solid foundation in engineering and a deep understanding of the company's operations.

Recognizing the importance of further education, Barra later pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Stanford Graduate School of Business, which she completed in 1990. This combination of technical expertise and business acumen would prove invaluable in her future leadership roles.

Mary Barra is a prominent figure in the automotive industry, known for her leadership as the CEO of General Motors (GM). Here's a detailed narrative of her early life, education, and career journey:

Leadership Roles

Barra's leadership abilities were recognized, and in 2011, she was appointed Senior Vice President of Global Product Development. In this role, she was responsible for the design, engineering, program management, and quality of GM vehicles worldwide. Under her leadership, GM significantly improved the quality and appeal of its product lineup.

In 2013, she was promoted to Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Purchasing, and Supply Chain. This expanded role further demonstrated her capacity to manage complex operations and drive innovation within the company.

CEO of General Motors

On January 15, 2014, Mary Barra made history by becoming the first female CEO of a major global automaker. Her appointment was a groundbreaking moment for the industry and a testament to her capabilities and leadership.

As CEO, Barra faced numerous challenges, including the ignition switch recall crisis shortly after she took office. She demonstrated strong leadership and transparency in addressing the issue, prioritizing customer safety and restructuring GM's approach to safety and quality.

Barra has been instrumental in steering GM toward a future focused on electric and autonomous vehicles. Under her leadership, GM has committed to significant investments in electric vehicle technology and aims to become a leader in sustainable transportation. Initiatives such as the development of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the launch of GM's electric vehicle platform, Ultium, highlight her vision for the company's future.

Mary Barra's career at General Motors began while she was still a student at the General Motors Institute. Her co-op positions gave her a broad view of the company and its operations. After graduating, she took on various engineering and administrative roles within GM, steadily climbing the corporate ladder.

In the early 2000s, Barra held several executive positions, including Vice President of Global Manufacturing Engineering and Vice President of Global Human Resources. Her diverse roles within the company helped her develop a comprehensive understanding of GM's global operations and workforce.

Career at GM

Personal Background and Family

Mary Barra was born Mary Teresa Makela on December 24, 1961, in Royal Oak, Michigan. Her father, Ray Makela, was a die maker at Pontiac, a division of General Motors, for nearly four decades. Growing up in Waterford, Michigan, she was exposed to the automotive world from a young age, often visiting the plant where her father worked. This early exposure to the automotive industry undoubtedly influenced her career path.

Barra married Anthony E. Barra, a consultant whom she met during her time at Kettering University (formerly the General Motors Institute). They have two children, a son and a daughter, and reside in Northville, Michigan. Despite her demanding career, Barra has always emphasized the importance of family and strives to balance her professional responsibilities with her personal life.

Interests and Hobbies

Mary Barra is known for her well-rounded personality and diverse interests outside of her professional life. Some of her notable interests include:

Reading

Fitness and Wellness

Mentorship and Advocacy

Travel

Personal Values and Leadership Philosophy

Mary Barra's personal values strongly influence her leadership style. She is known for her integrity, transparency, and commitment to ethical leadership. She believes in the power of teamwork, fostering an inclusive work environment, and driving innovation through collaboration.

Balancing Personal and Professional Life

Balancing the demands of being the CEO of a major global corporation with personal life can be challenging, but Barra manages it with grace. She often speaks about the importance of setting priorities, effective time management, and the support of her family. Her husband and children have been a source of strength and stability, helping her navigate the complexities of her career.

Awards and Recognition

Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Powerful Women:
Time 100 Most Influential People:
Fortune’s Most Powerful Women:
Automotive News All-Stars:
Institutional Investor’s Best CEOs:
Detroit Free Press Automotive Leadership Award:
Horatio Alger Award:
Stanford Graduate School of Business Excellence in Leadership Award: