Who is Mary Barra? Husband, Biography, Education, Career and Achievements

Mary Teresa Barra is an American business leader who broke barriers in the automotive industry. On January 15, 2014, she became the first woman to lead General Motors (GM) as Chief Executive Officer. Since then, she has been steering one of the world’s largest car companies toward innovation and future mobility.

In 2014, TIME magazine included her in its list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Just a year later, Fortune named her the Most Powerful Woman in Business.

Early Life

Mary Barra was born on December 24, 1961, in Michigan, USA. She is of Finnish heritage. Her father, Ray Makela, worked at Pontiac for nearly 40 years.

Mary is married to Anthony Barra, an engineering consultant. They have two children, Rachel and Nicholas. Her brother, Paul Makela, is a doctor who serves as Director of Gynecological Robotic Surgery at St. Mary Mercy Hospital.

Education

Mary studied at Waterford Mott High School. She then attended Kettering University, graduating in 1985 with a degree in electrical engineering.

At just 18, she joined GM as a co-op student at Pontiac Motor Division in Flint, Michigan.

In 1990, she earned her MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business with a scholarship from GM. She is also a proud member of Tau Beta Pi, the oldest engineering honor society in the US.

Career at GM

Mary Barra’s journey at GM has been long and inspiring. She has worked in several high-level roles, including:

• Vice President, Global Manufacturing Engineering

• Vice President, Global Human Resources

• Senior Vice President, Global Product Development (2011)

• Executive Vice President, Global Product Development, Purchasing, and Supply Chain (2013)

Before becoming CEO, she led teams that improved GM’s vehicle design, engineering, and quality. Her vision helped reshape the company’s product lineup with a focus on technology and sustainability.

Other Roles and Recognition

Apart from GM, Mary is on the Board of Directors for The Walt Disney Company and the Detroit Economic Club. She is also a trustee at Stanford University.

Mary Barra remains a strong voice for innovation in the car industry. Her leadership continues to inspire women in business worldwide.