General MotorsGMUnited States of America, 1998 > present8 models
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has promoted Mary Barra from head of Global Product Development to be the company’s next Chief Executive Officer. Current CEO Dan Akerson will step down on January 15, 2014. Barra will be the first female CEO of the Big Three automakers in the United States. She will also be elected to the GM Board of Directors.

“I will leave with great satisfaction in what we have accomplished, great optimism over what is ahead and great pride that we are restoring General Motors as America’s standard bearer in the global auto industry,” said Akerson in his retirement announcement.

Akerson said that he accelerated his retirement plans after finding out recently that his wife has been diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer.

Barra has worked at GM for the last 33 years with positions in manufacturing, engineering and human resources.

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

Akerson became GM Chairman and CEO on September 1, 2010

GM also announced that Theodore Solso would be elected Chairman of the Board of Directors as Akerson’s replacement. He has held a seat on the board since June 2012.

Current GM North America President Mark Reuss will take Barra’s position as head of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. Alan Batey, head of ChevroletChevroletUnited States of America, 1911 > present82 models
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sales and marketing globally, will become president of GM North America.