Mary Barra

Since she was named GM’s CEO in 2014, Mary Barra has demonstrated an ability to navigate turmoil—from an unprecedented autoworker strike to Trump’s tariff regime—and massive influence as chief of one of the world’s biggest companies. Most recently, GM posted record revenue in 2024, up 9% year over year. The company has also reached new milestones—doubling U.S. market share of its electric vehicles and seeing increased demand for its Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Buick brands. GM has ramped up its production in the U.S., at a time when shifting trade dictates put its global supply chain at risk. As 2025 progresses, Barra is emphasizing buzzy technologies like AI as the carmaker tries to position itself as a worthy challenger to Tesla. GM’s future success may hinge on Barra’s ability to run a tight ship during a volatile political moment, while staying innovative.