Mary Barra

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Mary Barra

Mary Barra (born December 24, 1961) is an American business executive. She is the chair and chief executive officer (CEO) of General Motors Company (GM). Barra is the first female CEO of a major global automaker. She has been recognized for her leadership and influence in the automotive industry.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Mary Teresa Barra was born in Waterford, Michigan. She is of Finnish descent. Barra graduated from Waterford Mott High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the General Motors Institute (now Kettering University). Barra later received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Career[edit | edit source]

Barra began her career at General Motors in 1980 as a co-op student, inspecting fender panels and checking hoods. Over the years, she held various engineering and administrative positions, including managing the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly plant.

In February 2008, Barra became Vice President of Global Manufacturing Engineering. In July 2009, she advanced to Vice President of Global Human Resources, a position she held until February 2011, when she was named Executive Vice President of Global Product Development. In August 2013, her responsibilities were expanded to include Global Purchasing and Supply Chain.

On January 15, 2014, Barra became the first female CEO of General Motors. Under her leadership, GM has focused on advancing the development of electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology.

Achievements and Recognition[edit | edit source]

Barra has been listed multiple times in Forbes's "World's 100 Most Powerful Women" and Fortune's "Most Powerful Women in Business." She has also been recognized by Time magazine as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Mary Barra is married to Anthony E. Barra, a consultant she met while studying at Kettering University. They have two children and reside in Northville, Michigan.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD