Mary Barra

Mary Barra has faced many crises since she was named CEO in 2014: a COVID-induced supply-chain ­disaster; an unprecedented autoworker strike; a high-profile robotaxi accident. The GM lifer has reliably steered the company through all of them. But it may be President Trump’s trade agenda that puts her leadership to the ultimate test. In April, Trump’s sweeping tariff regime plunged the auto industry into disarray. Thus far, Barra has managed to placate Wall Street, although shares were down a modest 4% as of mid-May amid the tariff uncertainty. Her ability to navigate turmoil, and her influence as chief of one of the world’s biggest companies, help place her at No. 1 on this list for the second year in a row and fifth time overall. 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. Like many of her MPW CEO peers, Barra is adjusting to adapt to new and disruptive policy priorities. She has been in regular contact with the president to try to influence his thinking on auto tariffs. The company has also 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.