 2014 is going to be a time of great change at General Motors; from the introduction of various new models, ever-changing operations on a global scale, and with first-ever automotive female CEO Mary Barra to oversee it all.
Whilst working for GM, Barra has risen through the ranks in her 33-year career, breaking down decades of barriers and changing the mostly dated internal culture of the company internally. Over time, Barra’s recent positions in General Motors included Head of global product development, Vice President of global manufacturing and VP of human resources, which coupled by her strong love of the automotive industry lead to her eventual selection as CEO.
This promotion has led to Fortune Magazine listing Mary Barra as number one on the list of 50 Most Powerful Women in Business; beating out some of the world’s most influential women (such as the also-female CEOs of IBM, Pepsi and Lockheed-Martin) and revolutionizing the way the automotive industry views women in high positions. Filling the void left by the departure of previous GM CEO Dan Akerson, Barra will be looking to lead the Detroit-based company into a new golden age, free from the bonds of bankruptcy and the hope of a better future ahead. Barra clearly stated that she has her eyes set on a global GM, emphasizing the revival of the slumping Opel brand in Europe instead of focusing on Chevrolet, and increasing the significance of Cadillac in both the United States and China. Most recently, she was one of Michelle Obama’s guests during the State of the Union Address.
This impressive achievement comes on the heels of the recent financial report for the company stating a net income of $3.8 billion. Though this is an overall decrease from 2012 due to a tough economic situation in Europe, sales are steadily rising in the US and China. But only time will tell if Mary Barra can live up to her new title but with a woman whose eyes are fixed solely on the well being of her company, and a drive to be the very best, things are looking up for the industry’s most powerful woman.
Comments
I could see the meeting on this one.
Lets see GM is the largest most powerful company run by a woman. Hmmmm. All in favor of Mary with a show of hands? Any opposed? Ok Mary has it.
Lets do lunch.
Now it is up to her to do a good job and GM to take advantage of this in marketing. Women buy half the cars and influence 75% of the cars sold. Her being there should really be an advantage.
GM needs here out front speaking and winning the public to her and her company. This one would be a great social influence win and that sells car too in this touchy feely kind of market.
She will do as well of a job as any but she can either do a great win with the public or if she makes a mistake she may pay a bigger price. The way this plays out is up to her. I think she will do it but it is still early yet.
I would like to see here in a Whitaker spot for GM speaking for GM to the country. I think she and GM would really benefit being out in front like that. No ego here just opportunity.