What Is Mary Barra’s Net Worth?
Mary Barra, the American businesswoman renowned for her role as the Chair and CEO of General Motors (GM), has amassed a significant net worth estimated at $90 million. This substantial wealth is primarily derived from her executive leadership position at GM, encompassing her salary, bonuses, stock holdings, and other benefits accumulated over her career.
Mary Barra’s Compensation and Stock Holdings
Over her first decade as CEO, Mary Barra has accumulated approximately $200 million in total compensation, inclusive of salary, bonuses, benefits, and equity grants. Her annual base salary is $2 million, but her total yearly compensation typically ranges from $20 million to $30 million, contingent on company performance and stock valuations.
In 2020, Mary Barra’s compensation package totaled $23.7 million. This included a base salary of $2 million, stock awards valued at $13.1 million, stock options worth $3.75 million, and a performance-based award of $3.78 million.
The year 2021 saw a considerable increase in her earnings, with a total compensation of $29,136,780. This comprised a $2.1 million salary, over $7.64 million in bonus pay, approximately $3.94 million in stock options, and nearly $14.6 million in stock awards. The bonus pay reflects GM’s strong performance and Barra’s leadership during that period.
In 2022, Barra’s total compensation amounted to $28,979,570. This included a salary of $2,100,000, a bonus of $6,258,000, stock options valued at $4,875,010, stock awards of $14,625,000, and other compensation amounting to $1,121,560. The slight decrease from the previous year could be attributed to various factors, including market conditions and company performance metrics.
As of the latest available information, Mary Barra possesses at least 1,127,563 units of General Motors (GM) stock. With approximately 1.378 billion GM shares outstanding as of September 30, 2023, Barra’s holdings represent approximately 0.082% of the company’s total outstanding shares. The value of these stock holdings contributes substantially to her overall net worth and is subject to fluctuations in the stock market.
Early Career and Rise at General Motors
Mary Barra’s career at General Motors began in 1980 as a co-op student, where she was involved in tasks such as checking fender panels and examining hoods. This entry-level position marked the start of her ascent through the ranks of the company.
Throughout her career, Barra held various engineering and administrative positions. Notably, she managed the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly plant, showcasing her ability to handle significant operational responsibilities. This role was critical in developing her understanding of automotive manufacturing processes.
In early 2008, Barra was appointed as the vice president of GM’s global manufacturing engineering division. This promotion recognized her expertise in manufacturing and engineering, placing her in a key leadership role. The role involved overseeing manufacturing processes across GM’s global operations.
In 2009, she was promoted to vice president of global human resources. This transition demonstrated her versatility and leadership skills beyond engineering, as she took on responsibilities for managing GM’s workforce. This involved implementing HR strategies and policies across the company.
In 2011, Barra became the executive vice president of global product development, which was a pivotal role in shaping GM’s future product portfolio. This position allowed her to influence the design, engineering, and development of new vehicles. She played a crucial role in GM’s efforts to innovate and develop new technologies.
By 2013, Barra’s responsibilities expanded to include global purchasing and supply chain, further consolidating her influence within GM’s operations. This role gave her oversight of the sourcing of materials and components used in GM vehicles. Her management of the supply chain was critical to ensuring the smooth operation of GM’s manufacturing plants.
In early 2014, Mary Barra succeeded Daniel Akerson as the CEO of GM, making history as the first female CEO of a “Big Three” automaker. This appointment was a significant milestone, recognizing her decades of service and leadership within the company. Her appointment was widely seen as a positive step for GM, signaling a new era of leadership.
During her first year as CEO, GM faced significant scrutiny due to numerous safety recalls and deaths attributed to faulty ignition switches. Barra’s leadership during this crisis was closely watched, as she navigated the company through these challenges. The recalls led to the creation of new policies to encourage employees to report any problems, aimed at improving safety and accountability.
Since then, Barra has been a driving force in steering GM towards driverless and electric-powered vehicles, positioning the company for the future of transportation. Her vision for GM includes a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, reflecting a broader shift in the automotive industry. The company has made several strategic acquisitions, including the driverless technology startup Strobe, to accelerate its development of autonomous vehicles. Mary Barra net worth has been influenced by her decisions at GM.
Board and Council Positions
Beyond her leadership at GM, Mary Barra is involved in several boards and councils, reflecting her broad influence in the business and academic communities. She serves on the boards of directors of the Detroit Economic Club and Detroit Country Day School, contributing to local economic and educational initiatives. Her involvement in these organizations reflects her commitment to the Detroit community.
Barra also serves on the boards of trustees of Stanford University, the Stanford Graduate School of Business Advisory Council, and Duke University, supporting higher education and business leadership. These roles allow her to shape the direction of these prestigious institutions. Her contributions help to foster innovation and excellence in education.
Additionally, Barra is on the board of Disney, one of the world’s largest entertainment companies. This appointment underscores her broad business acumen and influence across various industries. Her insights contribute to Disney’s strategic decision-making.
In 2022, Barra was appointed to the Homeland Security Advisory Council, where she provides counsel on security matters, demonstrating her commitment to national safety. This role highlights her expertise and leadership in addressing complex security challenges. Her contributions help to shape national security policies and strategies.
Honors and Awards
Mary Barra has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the business world. She has been consistently ranked as one of Fortune magazine’s Most Powerful Women, recognizing her leadership and influence. Her consistent ranking among the most powerful women in business highlights her impact and achievements.
In 2018, Barra was ranked fourth on Forbes’ Most Powerful Women list, further solidifying her reputation as a prominent business leader. This ranking reflects her significant influence and contributions to the global economy.
Also in 2018, Barra was awarded the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute’s Legend in Leadership Award, honoring her exceptional leadership and vision. This award recognizes her outstanding contributions to the field of business leadership.
In 2021, she was included in the Time 100 and the inaugural Forbes 50 Over 50 list, celebrating her continued impact and influence in her field. Her inclusion in these prestigious lists underscores her ongoing relevance and contributions to society.
A couple of years later, Barra received the Larry Foster Award for Integrity in Public Communication at the Arthur W. Page Center Awards, acknowledging her commitment to ethical communication practices. This award recognizes her dedication to transparency and integrity in her public communications.
Among her other honors, she has received honorary degrees from the University of Michigan and Duke University, recognizing her achievements and contributions to society. These honorary degrees are a testament to her impact and influence in both the business and academic worlds. These awards highlight Mary Barra net worth as both a business person and a public figure.