Every year, Motor Trend counts down the 50 most influential people in the automotive business with their Power List. This year saw General Motor’s former product head, Mary Barra, climb from the No. 15 position to No. 3 following her promotion to CEO on January 15.
Former CEO Dan Akerson named Barra his successor back in December after he stepped down for personal reasons. Barra first started with GM when she was 19, and now has a solid 33 years of service under her belt. Motor Trend says due to Barra’s engineering background and MBA in business, she “has the street credibility to handle both the car guys and the bean counters.”
Other appearances from GM employees on the list include Mark Reuss, who was recently promoted to executive vice president of global product development, purchasing and supply chain and vice president of global design, Ed Welburn. Additionally, the man behind the 2014 Cadillac CTS, Cadillac chief engineer David Leone comes in at No. 20 with chief Corvette engineer Tadge Juechter edging in the list at No. 48.
Comments
I really enjoy listening to what Mary Barra has to say. She has her quirks but is a very smart leader! I have no doubt that she will lead GM to #1!
Its about time we get a woman working on top for GM . Thy know what man love this is a good thing for are country
She will do fine. I originally wanted Mark at the top but now that I look at this Mark is where we need him. Mary can fight the corporate battles and this leave Mark open to make and deal with all the product decisions.
If Mark had gone to the top he would have had little to do with product and it would have hurt GM. Mary can fight for way to fund and build what he presents as this is her area.