Mary Barra, the 59-yard-old CEO of General Motors, hails from Waterford, Michigan. Born as Marie Theresa Macra to a GM worker father and a mom, she attended the General Motors Institute (now known as Kettering University) and later Stanford University for her electrical engineering and MBA degrees, respectively. With a commendable career spanning over three decades, Barra has climbed the corporate ladder, starting as a 18-year-old intern at GM, to eventually becoming the company's first woman leader in 2013.
A passionate advocate for women in leadership roles, Barra's journey in the male-dominated automotive industry is an inspiring tale of resilience and perseverance. She has garnered numerous accolades and accomplishments throughout her career, including serving as a board member at the Walt Disney Company and leading the CEO Alliance Business Roundtable as its first female chairperson.
Fun Fact: Barra is also recognized for being the highest-paid CEO in the American automobile industry. In 2016, her total compensation stood at a staggering USD$21.63 million (roughly AUD$31 million), placing her ahead of her peers in the automotive industry like Akio Toyoda, Toyota's CEO, who earns USD$5.1 million annually. While Elon Musk holds the title of the highest-paid CEO worldwide with USD$23.5 billion through his Tesla stock options, Barra's earnings in the context of the automotive industry continue to outshine her competitors.
[1]: Personal finance website, [2]: Forbes,
Mary Barra, the notable CEO of General Motors, brought her total compensation up to an impressive USD$21.63 million (equivalent to AUD$31 million) in 2016, making her the highest-paid executive in the US automotive sector. Beyond her domestic achievements, Barra serves as an esteemed board member for the Walt Disney Company and recently assumed her role as the first female chairperson of the CEO Alliance Business Roundtable.
Insights:
Mary Barra's journey to becoming General Motors' CEO is a testament to her dedication and resilience in breaking down barriers in the traditionally male-dominated automotive industry. With her leadership, Barra continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of women seeking careers in engineering and senior executive roles.
Additionally, Barra's high compensation packages underscore the demands of the competitive and pressure-filled environment in which the automotive industry operates. As technological advancements and environmental concerns shape the sector's future, the immense financial commitment to executives becomes even more critical to remaining competitive and innovating in the market.
Mary Barra's impressive career and impact on the industry contribute to her widespread recognition as a trailblazer for women in various professional fields. Her journey serves as an example for not only aspiring female executives but also for anyone seeking to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals in challenging and male-dominated environments.
