GM CEO Barra Adds Chairman Role

The General Motors Board of Directors has elected CEO Mary Barra as its chairman, the company has announced. 

She succeeds Theodore (Tim) Solso, who will serve as the Board's lead independent director. 

Prior to being named CEO in 2014, Barra served as executive vice president for global product development, purchasing and supply chain since August of 2013, and as senior vice president of global product development since February 2011. In these roles, she was responsible for the design, engineering, program management and quality of GM vehicles around the world.

Previously, Barra served as GM's vice president of global human resources; vice president of global manufacturing engineering; plant manager of Detroit Hamtramck Assembly; executive director of competitive operations engineering; and in several engineering and staff positions.