BIO:
- Name: Mary Barra
- Title/Position: Chair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of General Motors (GM)
- Industry: Automotive
- Location: Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Age: 63 - (24th of December 1961)
- Net Worth: Estimated at $43 million as of March 2025
Mary Barra’s Story
Mary Barra’s went from an 18-year-old co-op student inspecting Fender panels on cars to becoming the first female CEO of a major global automaker. Her career at General Motors (GM) began in 1980 when she joined as a co-op student to help pay for her college tuition. Demonstrating dedication and a strong work ethic, she quickly rose through the ranks, taking on various engineering and administrative roles.
In 1990, GM recognized her potential and sponsored her Master of Business Administration at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Upon returning, Barra took on several leadership positions, including Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Purchasing, and Supply Chain. Her focus on innovation and quality played a pivotal role in transforming GM’s product line and corporate culture.
In 2014, Barra shattered the glass ceiling by becoming GM’s CEO, making her the first woman to lead a major global automaker. She faced a few challenges in her first years for faulty ignition switches which she overcame by by focusing on transparency, helping employees report problems early on. We can learn how to succeed in a male-dominated industry from Barra.
She steered the company towards electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving technology. Under her leadership, GM has committed to an all-electric future, investing heavily in EV development and setting ambitious goals for sustainable transportation. Her tenure has been marked by bold decisions and her inclusive and transparent leadership style, stating her vision of making GM “the most inclusive employer in the world.”
Career Highlights
Key Milestones:
- 1980: Joined GM as a co-op student at the Pontiac Motor Division.
- 1990: Earned an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
- 2011: Appointed Executive Vice President of Global Product Development.
- 2014: Became the first female CEO of General Motors.
- 2016: Elected Chairman of the GM Board of Directors.
Achievements:
- Product Development: Led the development of innovative vehicles, including the Chevrolet Bolt EV, which was one of the first affordable electric cars with a significant driving range.
- Strategic Decisions: Made bold moves such as selling GM’s European operations (Opel and Vauxhall) to focus on more profitable markets, and investing in autonomous vehicle technology through the acquisition of Cruise Automation.
- Recognition: Featured on the cover of Time’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” in 2014. Consistently ranked among Forbes’ “World’s 100 Most Powerful Women,” reaching the 4th spot in 2018. citeturn0search24
- Board Memberships: Serves on the board of directors for the Walt Disney Company and is a member of the Stanford University Board of Trustees. citeturn0search24
Mary Barra’s Net Worth
Mary Barra’s net worth is estimated at $43 million as of March 2025. This wealth has been accumulated through her extensive career at GM, where she has held various high-ranking positions over the years.
Her compensation includes a base salary, performance-based bonuses, stock options, and other incentives. Additionally, her strategic investments and stock holdings in GM have contributed significantly to her net worth.
Mary Barra in the News
- 2023: Inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, recognizing her significant contributions to the automotive industry.
- 2024: Named the most powerful woman in business by Fortune magazine in its annual ranking of the top 100 women in business.
Quotes by Mary Barra
“My definition of ‘innovative’ is providing value to the customer.”
“The biggest message I have for young women is, Don’t start cutting off branches of your career tree unnecessarily early. Sometimes women say, I know I want to have a family or play in the local symphony, and they start pulling themselves out of their career path. You don’t have to take yourself out of the running before you even start.”
“If you do every job like you’re going to do it for the rest of your life, that’s when you get noticed.
FAQs: Most Asked Questions About Mary Barra
What is Mary Barra’s net worth?
Mary Barra’s net worth is estimated at $43 million as of March 2025.
What is Mary Barra’s salary as the CEO of GM?
Mary Barra’s annual compensation as CEO of General Motors is approximately $27.8 million, which includes her base salary, bonuses, stock awards, and other incentives.
How much of GM does Mary Barra own?
As of October 2024, Mary Barra owns 694,548 shares of General Motors stock, valued at over $34 million.
What is Mary Barra’s leadership style?
Mary Barra is known for her inclusive, transparent, and visionary leadership style. She emphasizes innovation, accountability, and a customer-centric approach, fostering a culture of transparency and continuous improvement within GM.
Who is the highest-paid female CEO?
As of 2023, Mary Barra is among the highest-paid female CEOs globally, with an annual compensation of approximately $27.8 million.
Sources
https://www.africanbusinessreview.co.za/mary-barra-net-worth/
https://www.insidertrades.com/general-motors-stock/mary-t-barra/
https://blog.mirrorreview.com/mary-barra-net-worth/
https://www.forbes.com/profile/mary-barra/
https://mary-barra.com/
https://prabook.com/web/mary.barra/724985
https://mabumbe.com/people/mary-barra-age-net-worth-biography-career-highlights/
https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/11/24318651/cruise-robotaxi-gm-funding-autonomous-vehicles-risk
