GM appoints Mary Barra as CEO

General Motors has picked Mary Barra to replace Dan Akerson as Chief Executive Officer of the American auto giant. The 51-year-old Barra has 33 years of experience at GM and has been promoted from the post of senior vice president for global product development. As of January 15, 2014, Barra will be the first female head of a major car company.

Akerson’s guidance caused the company to return to the stock market in November 2010 after which it recorded 15 consecutive quarters of profitability. He also piloted the re-investment of almost Rs 55,737 crore ($ 9 billion) and created or retained more than 25,000 jobs at GM’s US-based manufacturing facilities.

Barra joined GM in 1980 and is currently in charge of design, engineering and quality for GM’s entire range of products worldwide. Under her critical eye, GM rolled out the Chevrolet Silverado, the GMC Sierra and the Chevrolet Impala.

The General Motors board of directors has decided to split the positions of chairman and CEO which will result in Barra getting a board seat. Theodore (Tim) Solso who is a board member will succeed Akerson as chairman. Solso has been a GM board member since June 2012 and is the former chairman and CEO of Cummins Inc.

Following the announcement, Barra was quoted saying, “With an amazing portfolio of cars and trucks and the strongest financial performance in our recent history, this is an exciting time today at GM. I’m honoured to lead the best team in the business and hope to keep our momentum at full speed.”