Is GM’s Global Product Development Chief Mary Barra A “Car Guy”?
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When a member of the audience at the recent 2012 Automotive News World Congress asked GM’s recently-appointed head of global product development Mary Barra if she was a “car guy”, some weren’t expecting the answer.
Barra let it be known that she and her husband have owned every generation of the Chevy Camaro since being able to drive and that the most fun she has is when driving home after a long day at work. That should quell any doubts, concerns, or questions about the legitimacy of GM’s new product chief — which we admit we had upon her assuming the role.
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Maybe her husband should have the job. Great credentials???
I’m glad I found this. I agree with Lutz that car guys (male or female) need to drive GM in order to keep customer focus. I’m writing a paper on Lutz’ leadership and discussing whether his impact was a positive one and one that can “stick.” I was thinking of writing something along the lines of ‘Barra was promoted from head of HR to Head of Research and Development… so she must not be a car guy.” This article provided a helpful anecdote and made me think that I should not be so hasty.