Reflecting on my first year at General Motors

Making a major career change is never predictable.

When I became CFO at General Motors one year ago, I knew I was gaining the chance to work with one of the best executive teams in the world, but I had no idea how strong that team truly is. Together we faced a year of unprecedented (is there a more overused word in 2020-21) adversity. Each issue that arose was met with a different solution leading to what will be one of the most special years in our company’s history.

Now, I can say, I am more amazed every day about the opportunity ahead of us. I am blessed to be part of a team that is changing the world, and it truly is a once-in-a-generation moment.

What led me to this conclusion?

First: the depth of conviction across GM’s leadership team. I’ve always believed that words matter and so do deeds. Our executive team has made it clear that we are setting big goals – envisioning a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion, and being the most inclusive company in the world. And we are delivering a steady cadence of action – on climate, our EV lineup, and on inclusion – to reinforce those commitments. ??

Second: excitement across the company, from the ground up, to turn the things GM does best into platforms that fuel our growth. Our engineering teams have created world-class battery and hydrogen fuel cell technologies that not only will enable us to scale our EV future – they’re providing zero-emission power solutions across the transportation industry. Whether it is in boats, trains, trucks or the cars we drive every day; our Ultium and Hydrotec systems are powering the future.

Our software and customer experience teams are also redefining the way our vehicles and customers relate; opening the door for the car to be the next customized, personalized platform. In doing so, we’re driving value creation across the entire lifecycle of the vehicle, even beyond the first owner with the subscriptions and services that we will offer.

Technology is rapidly changing the industry before our very eyes and our initiatives in EV, AV and connected vehicles are opening up a broad range of white space opportunities that have previously not existed for auto manufacturers.

Finally, I’m incredibly proud to work with some of the best finance professionals in the world. GM has committed to doubling its revenue and expanding its margins by 2030. Our finance team is a strategic partner – leveraging data analytics, artificial intelligence, predictive forecasting and more to be strategic, forward looking champions of growth. I couldn’t be more grateful for their partnership and support, and, perhaps most importantly, patience as I’ve learned the ins and outs of our business.

It’s been an incredible year – and it’s flown by. But what’s even more exciting is our commitment to taking the long view on GM’s potential. When we combine our customer loyalty with the breadth of our portfolio and our world-class manufacturing, we unlock scale benefits that will allow us to grow our existing business, as well as our new business ventures.

Now that I have begun my second year, I'm excited and optimistic about the opportunities ahead as we continue on our path of introducing more than 30 new EVs by 2025. GM is becoming a platform innovator, and in doing so, we will change the growth trajectory of our business.

I am grateful and humbled by the opportunity to serve General Motors with its leadership team in our mission.