He is gregarious, a showman with aknack for generatingexcitement. Become a subscriber. To date, GM has paid more than $900 million in penalties and nearly $600 million to settle death and injury suits, though critics have argued the company still hasnt been held fully accountable. Twitter: @BiographyScoop One of Barra's biggest influences in her lifewas her mother, Eva Makela. According to Mary Barra wiki, she is of American nationality and was born in Royal Oak, Michigan in 1961. GMisn't the only automaker looking to transform acompany. "Everybody was like, 'The cultures bad, the cultures bad, it needs to change,' " Barra said. ", "G.M. She's also taller than I expected.". The article was evidence of Barra's . [13] She subsequently held a variety of engineering and administrative positions, including managing the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly plant. I was really proud. Viktor Mkel, her grandpa, immigrated to the United States and married Maria Luoma, a Finnish immigrant from Teuva. As empty nesters, Barra and her husbandshare their Northville Township home withtwoCoton de Tular dogs namedMarcyand Hunter, Barra said. Dingellworked at GM from1976 to August 2009 and has known Barra for many years. Lutz remembers her in some meetings. 2004-2008 - Executive director, Vehicle Manufacturing Engineering. Copyright 2022 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. More: GM CEO Mary Barra to be inducted into a leading women's hall of fame. The part about being the first female CEO, "didnt really hit me," Barra said. Barra has two cars, a Chevrolet Camaro and a Pontiac Firebird. Barra has said the family also owns a Corvette and a Hummer EV. ", Lutz said, interms of profitability and positioning GMfor the future, "Shes the best CEO GM ever has had, far better than any of the males I remember. Barra had about 100 followers on Twitter at the time, Henige said. "I remember very vividly," she said. October 17, 2022, 6:36 AM. Some 33 years ago, Mary Barra began working at General Motors, where her father worked as a diemaker with the Pontiac division. "You won't always be right, but no one's right all the . Barra is the Roundtable's chair for 2022, a role which will require her to make public statements about major public policy issues which affect businesses. And with that, Mary fadesand Barra the CEO is back,ready to powerwalk GM's R&Dhalls to keep everyone on schedule. September 29, 2021 - CEO alliance Business Roundtable elects Barra as the chair, the first woman to serve in this role. Make sure your voice is heard. It alsowould lead todramatic cultural change at GM. "One of the things I know is sometimes the most urgent, is not the most important," Barra said. Finally, she became CEO on December 10, 2013. Barra has two cars, a Chevrolet Camaro and a Pontiac Firebird. The actor and comedian also discusses her new childrens book and writing a diary in the sauna, Copyright 2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Photography by Brian Widdis for WSJ. [48], She has named the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird as her favorite cars. Learn about Mary Barra's age, height, weight, dating, husband, boyfriend & kids. The ignition switch scandal served as a catalyst. [11][14] The latter position included responsibilities for design; she has worked to reduce the number of automobile platforms in GM. The GM transformation will require further cultural change. "So that in a way was somewhat barrier breaking," Henige said, adding that Barra also championed other GM femaleexecutives. Mary married Anthony E. Barra, whom she met during her Kettering University days. "I remember I was called in and (then CEO)Dan Akerson told me and then I was pulled into the boardroom and I didnt even have time to text my husband," Barra said. office, a bright space that overlooks the Detroit River, a sign reads Keep Calm and Carry On. Its no wonder she keeps the saying nearby. Barra has openly expressed frustration aboutthis. I'm happy to be joined here at our headquarters in downtown Washington by Mary Barra, the chief executive of General Motors, one of the most prominent executives in America. Mary Barra Net Worth. Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. "General Motors' decline in market share is significant, but CEO Mary Barra has made clear her focus ison profitability, not volume or market share," said Michelle Krebs, executive analyst for Cox Automotive. "I tried to go to every game, because I knew that was a time Id never get back.". In January 2014, when Barra became the first female CEO of a major automaker, she made history as the first female CEO of a major automaker. All three are in various stagesof transformation and the leadership couldn't be more different. Forbes ranked her the 35th Most Powerful Woman in the World in 2013. Barra, appearing before a House committee . Bio Mary Barra, best known for being a Business Executive, was born in Michigan, United States on Sunday, December 24, 1961. Updated May 12, 2022. Its speed. US President Joe Biden was at the inauguration of GM's Factory Zero yesterday, the company's first electric vehicle factory, and he gave a speech in which he gave credit to GM CEO Mary Barra. But, ever evolving,Barra recently said GM will be getting back into Europe, this time to sell EVs. [47], Barra is married to consultant Tony Barra, whom she met while studying at Kettering University, and has two children and two dogs. Her grandfather immigrated to the US in the 20th century. GM, Another less-visible sign in Barras office features something Sheryl Sandberg said after her husbands death, a quote that captures both the losses and failures of the past and a desire to push onward: Lets kick the s out of option B.. When it comes to Mary Barra's education, she stayed true to her Motor City roots. [49], "Ford and GM replace 'chairman' title with gender-neutral 'chair', "Exclusive: Inside New CEO Mary Barra's Urgent Mission To Fix GM", "G.M. Mary Barra is the chairman and CEO of GM, and the first female CEO of a major global automaker. Discovery Company. That's why we're here - to help you build a successful business that creates freedom and great wealth for you and your family. He described Barra as, "Very attentive and never said very much, seemed like a smart woman who got the job done. The email expressed her impatience and disgust with the growing list of black Americans who have lost their lives due to their skin color. Mary Barra's house (Former) Northville, Michigan (MI), US Like Tweet Share Pin Mary Barra is an American business executive. "To change the stories, it had to change the behavior so people experience something different. Nomatter what job she was in at GM, even as CEO, she always made her kids her priority. Going to . ", It would be an understatement to describe Barra's job as merely "big.". SoHenige set upa "war room"to manage the news and waited. Did you encounter any technical issues? Education: Kettering University, Stanford University All rights reserved. $16.2 million Barras pay package in 201480% higher than that of her predecessor, Starting as a line inspector at 18, she has spent her entire career at General Motors, ascending to the top post in 2014. On December 10, 2013, GM named her to succeed Dan Akerson as Chief Executive Officer, making her the first female CEO of a major global automaker. It's not unusual for Barra to start the day at 7 a.m.withback-to-back meetings lasting until noon, but she said shedoesn't keep track of how many hours a week she works, only that the days are long. Their go-to expert? 1:33 PM EST, Thu December 8, 2022, Testifying before a US congressional subcommittee. She quickly disarms them with light conversation. In 2019, Barra took home more than $20 million in total compensation. Mandi is an experienced writer on various topics with a passion for telling stories with words. Earnings and income representations made by Capitalism.com, Freedom Fastlane, Wine with Wyan, Million Dollar Brands, The Backroom, The One Percent, and 8-Figure Exits (collectively "Capitalism.com Programs") are aspirational statements only of your earnings potential. It's just Mary. The batteries were made by LG Energy Solution, still it wasa "black eye" foran automaker that wants to eventually sell all EVs, Gordon said. More: GM partners with The Moth to bring live storytelling to its employees. Barra officially takes the position on January 15, 2014. "I knew, the GM I had known,had changed the day she was named CEO.. Barra is married to Tony Barra, a consultant she met while attending Kettering University, and they have two children and two dogs. Ms. Barra owns over 4,680 units of General Motors stock worth over $44,042,611 and over the last 12 years she sold GM stock worth over $106,717,726. Barra has an estimated net worth of $194 million. General Motors CEO Mary Barra on future of auto industry By Washington Post Live September 15, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. EDT Mary Barra joins Washington Post Live on Thursday, Sept. 15. I live in Canada and have been to Barra 3 times with different members of my family each time. Mary Barra remains in the top 20 of the highest-paid CEOs in America. She was elected Chairman of the GM Board of Directors on January 4, 2016, and has served as CEO of GM since January 15, 2014. Her daughter still has the power to veto an outfit Barra selects and she encourages Barra to try new styles. We asked Mary Barra, the chairman and CEO of General Motors, if a low starting price can be maintained or if the price is likely to jump, especially if demand is strong. Mary Barrapowerwalks down along corridor inthe Research and Development building at General Motors'Global Technical Centerin Warren. Follow live updates Skip to main content Advertisement The Guardian -. Michael J. Foxs Net Worth: How the Iconic American Actor Made His Money. She celebrates her birthday on December 24. [42][43] In September 2018, Barra was awarded the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute's Legend in Leadership Award. Barra was called before the Senate to testify regarding the ignition switch recalls and deaths linked to it. GM developed the BrightDrop Zevo 600 commercial delivery van in just 20 months. Then GM had a series of short-lived CEOs before Barra got the job. At 18, she started working for GM as a way to help pay for her college tuition. It was the most exciting and exhilaratingday for us becausesocial media went crazy. Barra, already, is living the life of an EV owner. "So the only thing that makes noise is either a phone call or when my children or husband text me. Barrawas the first female GM executive thatHenige sawwho was pregnant. She wants to continue to create a corporateculture where GM employees can find a work-life balance like she did. In December 2016, Barra joined a business forum assembled by then President-Elect Donald Trump to provide strategic and policy advice on economic issues. Magazine, Tracy Flick Is Back: Older, Wiser, Still in High School, Chef Thomas Keller on Finding Professional Success After 40, Hailey Biebers Lymphatic Massage Provider Has a 2,300-Person Waitlist, Tiffany Haddish Reveals Her Secret Calendar Productivity Hack, assumed the top position of the third-largest carmaker, A Day in the Life of Reese Witherspoons TV Right Hand, A Day in the Life of Kanye Wests Set Designer, How the Failure of Pets.com Spurred Julie Wainwrights RealReal Success, How Baby2Baby, L.A.s Blockbuster Fundraiser, Comes Together, Final Early Bird Pricing! As Barra leads GM into a future of electric cars, one of the top Mary Barra quotes is her motto: "Zero crashes. To understand who Barra is today and her task at hand, one must look to her first few months in the biggest job of her life. 1 / 6. With the silicon chip and supply chain challenges this year, the factory cannot keep up with demand. Heused data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Employment Statistics program for 2022. "It'll depend on how. But GM also must repair its image, Gordon said. September 15, 2019-October 25, 2019 - Works to bring the United Auto Workers union 40-day strike against GM to an end. [6][7] Her grandfather, Viktor Mkel, moved to the US and married Maria Luoma, a Finnish immigrant from Teuva. In 2013, just months before she became CEO of General Motors, Mary Barra gave a commencementaddress to graduates at her alma mater, Kettering University. But I was told, 'The 14th floor likes him, so put up with him or leave.' Hersharp pace reflects the high-stakesrace she's in to transform a company steeped in more than a century of gas-powered engine manufacturinginto amore nimble software company that will leadthe world in sales of vehicles with electric motors. The first car that stole her heart at the young age of 10 was her cousin's late-60s vintage, red Chevy Camaro convertible. August 24, 2017 - The Walt Disney Co. elects Barra to its board of directors. The fallout from that is expected to include some $5 billion in fines, lawsuit settlements, and recall costs (CK), but GM . 2023www.freep.com. "She didnt care what you studied, she just believed that was a gateway to a better life.". [23] Her decision was criticized by President Donald Trump, who threatened to remove the company's government subsidies in response. Barra's leadership was instrumental to GM's renewed success because she was transparent, gave people a voice, and lived out her values. Barra will serve a two-year term beginning in January 2022. There's been no public talk ofa succession plan if Barra were to leave her job. Born: Mary Teresa Makela, December 24, 1961, Royal Oak, Michigan, US Finnish: Barra's parents are of Finnish descent. Her decisions impact the lives of the157,000people GM employsworldwide. What is Mary Barra's net worth? "Its image-shaping machine is working superbly, GMs not so much., ButBarra does not get enough credit for herdecision to investin Cruise ofwhich GM now owns an 80% stakeand makeGM a leading player in self-driving technology,Whiston said. She's also the highest-paid auto CEO in the world. Many observers said Barrahandled itmasterfully by being transparent and contrite. Applying this knowledge should enable you to have a better understanding of how Mary Barra has led General Motors through serious challenges to profitability. Zero congestion.". Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press. [35] In 2018, she received an honorary doctorate from Duke University and in 2022 she delivered as the school's commencement address. By Neal E. Boudette. [2] She is the first female CEO of a 'Big Three' automaker. She was promoted to vice president of global human resources in July 2009, a post she maintained until February 2011, when she was promoted to executive vice president of Global Product Development. In December 2013, GM named her to succeed Daniel Akerson as CEO. Barra made history by becoming the first female CEO of GM. Once she completed college, Mary began to work her way up in the ranks at GM. The UAWdeclared that move,"a slap in the face.". The walkout, the largest by a union against a business since the last strike at GM in 2007, cost about $1.75 billion. They live in Northville and also owns an apartment in Downtown Detroit. Personal Birth date: December 24, 1961 Birth place: Waterford, Michigan Birth name: Mary Teresa Makela Father: Ray. Check it out and submit your application here. Since inception, there have been 35,842 submissions to the "Speak up for Safety" program, according to GM's 2021 Sustainability Report. [9] Barra was inducted into the engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi[10] (MI Zeta class of 1985) and the honor society IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu (Theta Epsilon chapter 1983) while at Kettering University. Part of the reinvention included making boldmoves, said Morningstar Auto Analyst David Whiston, noting Barra'scontroversialdecision to sellGM's German Opel and United Kingdom Vauxhall brandsin 2017. We talk openly about opportunities and challenges.. This is like incredible' and all I wanted to do was text him.". But Barra was different. The pressure to succeed is made more intense forBarra by thefact that onJan. 15, 2014, shebecame the first woman to run a car company. President Donald Trump slammed her decision, threatening to slash the companys federal subsidies as a result. Barra's base salary is $2.1 million. She started with a position inspecting fenders and hood panels in a Pontiac plant; rose through the ranks in manufacturing, engineering, and human resources; and then was named head of global product development, purchasing, and supply chain. "I work to find my own style," Barra said. Mary Barra, the CEO and chair of General Motors, joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the company's new electric Equinox, the future of the auto industry and how General Motors is handling inflation. 2008-2009 - Vice president, Global Manufacturing Engineering. There are some weeks when I might work from home one, two or three days. It made me really impatient because I knew GM was better.". Barra, who had been mentallypreparing for how she would lead if she got the job, had learned the news just days prior and was reeling. "Mary has made me promise that I would always call her directly when I see a problem," Dingell said. While at Kettering University, Barra was inducted into the engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi and the IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu honor society. General Motors Chair and CEO Mary Barra, right, listens to researcher Hernando Gonzalez speak about what he does while working in the materials lab at the Research and Development building of the GM Global Technical Center campus in Warren on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, during a photo op following an interview with the Detroit Free Press. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Names New Leader for Global Development", Rebuilding a Giant: Mary Barra, CEO, General Motors, "General Motors (GM): Safety Recalls Add Up to 84 in 2014", "Is General Motors buying awards for Mary Barra? "I do it.. She is 60 years old as of 24 December 2021. That's led toWork Appropriately, which allows some salaried workers more flexibility to work remotely. Leadership Journeys - Mary Barra. Bastian and Barra discussed a range of topics from all-electric ambitions and a more sustainable future, inclusion and building up young women in STEM, to personal reflections on leadership during challenges. Last year, GM issued aglobal recall of all 2017-22 model year Chevrolet Bolts and Bolt EUVs because the batteries could catch fire. Prior to being named CEO, Barra was executive vice president of global product development . Mary Barra power walks down a long corridor in the Research and Development building at General Motors' Global Technical Center in Warren. Hugh Hefner's Net Worth: How Rich Was the Playboy Founder in His Old Age? In 2004 through2008, she was executive director of Vehicle Manufacturing Engineering. But the addition of incentive-based company bonuses, stock awards, paid travel, and security costs combine to give her compensation package a considerable boost. [44], In Institutional Investor's yearly survey of top executives, the 2019 All-America Executive Team, Barra achieved the first place in the autos and auto parts sector. First female CEO of GM and the first woman to lead a US auto maker. Mary has had an affinity for cars since she was a child. Today, she has nearly 62,000. Enjoy reading!! There have been some other missteps on the path to electrification. Zero emissions. Mary and Tony have two children and two dogs and live in Northville, Detroit. Inside the Capitalism Incubator, our students find the best business ideas, the coaching, and the contacts they need to fund, launch, and scale a 7-figure business they can turn around and sell someday for even more. Barra Loves EVs: GM CEO Mary Barra Says Chevy Silverado EV Is Stunning. These days, Mary drives a Cadillac Escalade around town. Contact Jamie L. LaReau: 313-222-2149 or jlareau@freepress.com. ". Her mother was raised on a farm in Michigan's Upper Peninsula,with sevensiblings. Barra is acutely aware of GM's progress and its potentialpitfalls, butif anyone can execute, it is Barra, saidMary Henige, who ownsMagnetica Communications consulting firm in Beverly Hills, Michigan. Mary Barra is living a blissful conjugal life. Since becoming CEO of General Motors, Mary Barra has been one of the world's most-watched executives. It resulted in 124 deaths. It varies by week.". Mary Barra Biography. Mary became the CEO of GM in 2014, making her the first female CEO of a major international automaker. Mary Teresa Barra (ne Makela; born December 24, 1961) is an American businesswoman who has been the chair and chief executive officer (CEO) of General Motors since January 15, 2014. He did not reply to Free Press requests for commentfor this article. GM CEO and Chairman Mary Barra said she is "impatient and disgusted" following the deaths of George Floyd and other black Americans. It hasfacilities in 62countries and its lineup includes about100 differentmodels of vehicles globally. Mary was born to parents Eva and Ray Makela in Waterford, Michigan. Then,inApril 2021, GM declared it would invest $1 billion to build EVs inits plant in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico. To avoid that happening again, GM plans tobuild every part of its EVs, including the battery cells and manufacturing of the battery packs, onitsUltium platform. "But Ill be in a store and take a picture and Ill be like, 'What do you think?' One example of how she cut through amassive machine's lack of focus and direction was byfamously simplifyingGM's multipagedress code to two words: Dress Appropriately. In 1985, Barra received her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the General Motors Institute. 10 Red Wing games attended, on average, by Barra each year. More: He uncovered GM crisis, took on automaker when NHTSA didn't. Mary Barra's Leadership Style: What Entrepreneurs Can Learn. But where did it all begin? She will give you a good-natured, but firm retort,"Dont write me off;I plan on being here for a while.". It happened on Saturday (April 30). In 2020, Mary's compensation for the year was $40.3 million. Barra was the highest-paid Detroit Three executive in 2017, earning a total of $21.96 million. In July 2009, she advanced to the position of vice president of global human resources, which she held until February 2011, when she was named executive vice president of Global Product Development. Shefirst met Barra in the 1990s whenBarra was director of internal communications. Mary Barra is CEO and Chair of General Motors. Until she took the top job, she said, "You have someone you worked for. Paul Makela is a gynecologist in Livonia. What Kind of Car Does Mary Barra Drive? The newswas highly guarded. No government can match their effectiveness and financial stewardship. "We want to be different and we want change and well have this great leader who knows employees and cares. Barra has used her leadership role to take a definitive stance against injustice. According to the Detroit Free Press, Barra created an "inclusion advisory board" at GM. Since then, Barra has worked to build the relationshipand regularly checks in with key union and community leaders, Dingellsaid. Mary Teresa Barra (ne Makela; born December 24, 1961) is an American businesswoman who has been the chair[1] and chief executive officer (CEO) of General Motors since January 15, 2014. Henige retired from a 29-year career atGM in 2015, last serving as communications director for the Global Connected Customer Experience. "BrightDrop has been brought to market with absolutely astonishing speed, totally unlike the General Motors I know and love," Lutz said. David Zaslav - Discovery Communications, Inc. Bernhard Hodler - Julius Baer Group, Ltd. Stephen Schwarzman - The Blackstone Group LP. At Capitalism.com, were ALL IN on entrepreneurs. It also can be a long haul,depending on the job they do. It's also seen as essential to reducing carbon emissions from gas-powered vehicles that are contributing to rapidly warm the planet. Farley is known to taketo Twitter to promote Ford products. Nellys Net Worth: How the Rapper, Actor, and Businessman Made Millions. During that time, Barra and GM were also accused of paying for prizes to boost the CEOs and companys public image. Two years ago,Barra outlinedher plan to make GM, as she put it,the most inclusive company in the world, saying employees who feel they can be themselves at workwill do their best work. People sent me notes congratulating me for working at a company that has a woman CEO.. Heres a look at the life of Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors. ( Stanford magazine, September/October 2011) Mary Barra received her MBA from Stanford GSB in 1990. Barra was born in Finland to Finnish parents. Read the case below and answer the questions on the right. Mary Barra, the Chair and CEO of General Motors, joined Delta CEO Ed Bastian for a conversation on leadership worth navigating. Back then, she was still a college student at Kettering University. For change to happen across all of GM, Barra must have the support of the UAW International and the hourly workforce. Website: Biographyscoop.com She's always articulate untilyou ask what her favorite vehicle is in GM's lineup. ON THE WALL of General Motors CEO appreciated. Explore Mary Barra's Bio-Wiki, net worth & salary in 2023. It fell to a low of 13.2% in the fourth quarter last year. One might think that more than four decades with the same employerlike her. Lutz noted that GM moved fast to launchBrightDrop,its new electriccommercial delivery van and software business. April 2017 - A GM filing reveals that Barras total compensation in 2016 equaled $22.6 million, making her the highest paid auto CEO in the world. She had surpassed that mark for the third year in a row. After hiring a former U.S. attorney to conduct an internal probe, she fired 15 employees, instituted an if you see something, say something policy and restructured engineering operations to enable quicker responses to potential safety violations. We're going to talk. She spearheads customer-focused changes and innovative technologies to meet GM customers' needs. Barra and her family live in Northville, Michigan. [3][4][5] In December 2013, GM named her to succeed Daniel Akerson as CEO. She went on to work in a number of engineering and administrative jobs, including overseeing the assembly facility in Detroit/Hamtramck. General Motors CEO Mary Barra will meet Thursday with a group of executives from Black-owned media outlets, the automaker said Wednesday. 0:05 1:06 Mary Barra said she still has moments of anonymity after her first year as General Motors CEO, but admitted her life has substantially changed, comments she made in a wide-ranging. Barra herself has not minimized the crisis, at one point telling employees, I never want to put this behind us.. She is one of the most important CEOs GM's had in a long time,a historical figure occupying thejob held once by suchnoted CEOsas Alfred Sloan in the 1920s and Roger Smith in the 1980s. August 9, 2014, 5:00 PM UTC. More recently, she responded to the call for social justice and action as a result of George Floyd's death. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8. "Ive always tried to make sure, when my kids were home, that I was home for dinner, even if that meant I was going to work later or if dinner was at 8:30 because they were coming home from their sporting practices at that time," Barra said. Campbells Soup Sales Were Declining. "I would help her and she would help me and we would count on each other. She graduated from Kettering (then called General Motors Institute) in1985 with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering and started full-time at the company. When I was interviewed for my job at GM,I was asked, 'Why would a woman want to work for GM?' "Thiswas a great sign of hope. The first car that stole her heart at the young age of 10 was her cousin's late-60s vintage, red Chevy Camaro convertible. News Corp is a global, diversified media and information services company focused on creating and distributing authoritative and engaging content and other products and services. And GM has said Ultium will allow it to build a variety of EVsmore cheaply, which Barra said is crucial to GM succeeding as an EV player. "What we talk about at General Motors is, 'Looking over the horizon.' Bob Lutz, 90, who retired as GM's vice chairman in 2010,said he first met Barra in the early 2000s. But Lutz said he sees challenges with GM's speed, the same issue that worries Barra. The beautiful couple met during their university days at Kettering University. 2013 - Is appointed executive vice president for Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. No. We will listen and engage in conversations that elevate our collective understanding and inform our actions to address inequality. Sold in 2017 Homes - Celebrity - Business, Homes - Celebrity - Former We meet on a regular basis and we know how to connect with each other any time if necessary. GM named her to succeed Daniel Akerson as CEO in December 2013. [41] However, she left the forum in 2017, following Trump's response to the Charlottesville protests. Mary Barra, chief executive officer of General Motors Co. (GM), listens during a Senate Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance subcommittee hearing in . Mary Barra is an American businesswoman who has served as the chair and chief executive officer (CEO) of General Motors. Rick Wagoner became GM's CEO in 2000 and was ousted in 2009 after the company filed for Chapter 11 federal bankruptcy protection. At this, Barra suddenly breaks into a smile and reveals thatherdaughter is her "stylist."