Mary Barra
Personal Information
Royal Oak, Michigan, U.S.
Education & Background
Stanford Graduate School of Business
Career Highlights
Mary Teresa Barra (née Makela; born December 24, 1961) is an American businesswoman who has served as chair and chief executive officer (CEO) of General Motors Company since January 15, 2014. She is the first female CEO of one of the "Big Three" American automobile manufacturers and has led GM through significant transformations including electric vehicle development and autonomous driving technology.
Early Life and Education
Barra was born Mary Teresa Makela in Royal Oak, Michigan, to Finnish immigrant parents. Her father, Ray Makela, was a die maker at Pontiac Motor Division for 39 years. She grew up in Waterford, Michigan.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Kettering University (then General Motors Institute) in 1985. She later earned an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1990 as a GM Sloan Fellow.
Career
Early General Motors Career
Barra began her career with General Motors in 1980 at age 18, when she was hired as a co-op student at the Pontiac Motor Division. After graduating, she held various engineering and administrative positions throughout the company.
Executive Leadership
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Barra rose through GM's ranks:
- 1990s: Various manufacturing and engineering roles
- 2008: VP of Global Manufacturing Engineering
- 2009: VP of Global Human Resources
- 2011: Executive VP of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain
CEO of General Motors
On December 10, 2013, GM announced that Barra would succeed Dan Akerson as CEO. She officially assumed the position on January 15, 2014, becoming the first woman to head a major global automaker.
Major Initiatives
Under Barra's leadership, GM has pursued several major strategic directions:
- Electric Vehicles: Commitment to all-electric future, developing models like Chevrolet Bolt and GMC Hummer EV
- Autonomous Driving: Investment in Cruise (self-driving technology)
- Restructuring: Exit from unprofitable markets (Russia, Europe, South Africa)
- Cost Management: Plant closures and workforce optimization
- Electrification Strategy: $35 billion investment in electric and autonomous vehicles through 2025
Challenges Addressed
Barra faced significant challenges early in her tenure:
- Ignition Switch Recall (2014): Managed crisis involving defective ignition switches linked to deaths
- Corporate Culture: Worked to transform GM's bureaucratic culture
- Pandemic Response (2020): Navigated COVID-19 production shutdowns and supply chain disruptions
- Semiconductor Shortage (2021-2022): Managed chip shortage impacts on production
Leadership Style
Barra is known for:
- Simplifying bureaucracy and decision-making processes
- Focus on safety and quality
- Commitment to transparency
- Emphasis on innovation and technology
- Diversity and inclusion initiatives
Recognition and Awards
- Fortune's Most Powerful Women (2014-2024)
- Time 100 Most Influential People (2014)
- Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women in the World
- Automotive Hall of Fame (2018)
- First female Chair of General Motors Board (2016)
Compensation
In recent years, Barra's compensation has ranged from $20-30 million annually, including base salary, stock awards, and performance bonuses, making her one of the highest-paid automotive executives.
Personal Life
Barra married Tony Barra, a consultant whom she met at Kettering University. They have two children. She resides in Northville, Michigan.
Board Memberships
- General Motors (Chair)
- Walt Disney Company
- Duke University Board of Trustees
See Also
References
This article contains information adapted from publicly available sources about Mary Barra's career and leadership at General Motors.