Tuesday, December 10, 2013

11634: You’ve Come A Long Way, Barra.

Reuters reported General Motors is elevating Global Product Development Chief Mary Barra to CEO, making her the first woman to run the automaker. Since GM was founded in 1908, the move was arguably long overdue. However, it must be pointed out that a White woman still rose to the top before a Black executive. Then again, one might argue that President Barack Obama officially took over GM during the bailout.

General Motors names product chief Mary Barra as new CEO

DETROIT, Dec 10 (Reuters) - General Motors Co on Tuesday said Chief Executive Dan Akerson will step down next month and be replaced by Mary Barra, the company’s global product development chief, marking the first time a major U.S. automaker has been led by a woman.

The company said in a statement that Akerson, who is also the chairman, will leave on Jan. 15, pulling ahead his planned departure by several months. His wife was recently diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer.

Barra, 51, the executive vice president for global product development, purchasing and supply chain, was elected by the company board as the next CEO and will become a director. Theodore Solso, 66, will succeed Akerson, 65, as chairman.

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