GM CEO Mary Barra Joins the Walt Disney Company’s Board of Directors
When it comes to the automotive industry, few companies can match the influence that General Motors possesses. In a similar vein, the Walt Disney Company is one of the most powerful organizations in the realm of entertainment.
GM CEO Mary Barra will now play a large role in both of these companies, as she has just joined the Walt Disney Company’s board of directors.
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“Beyond being an incredibly respected leader of a major U.S. company, Mary is recognized as an agent of change with a relentless focus on quality, safety and, most importantly, consumers,” current Disney CEO Robert Iger said in an official statement from the company. “Her ability to adapt to a changing technological and consumer-focused landscape makes her uniquely suited for the Disney board.”
Barra’s appointment will begin immediately. With this latest addition, the Walt Disney board of directors will now include 12 members.
Of those directors, four are women, including Barra, Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, Susan Arnold of the Carlyle Group, and Maria Elena Lagomasino.
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Prior to this, Barra had only served on a board at Stanford University. Barra received her MBA from the educational institution.
Both Barra and Robert Iger had previously served on President Donald Trump’s Strategy and Policy Forum. However, while Iger resigned following the president’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accords, Barra remained a member until the group was ultimately disbanded earlier this month.
Barra joins the board at a time when Disney is in search of a new CEO. Robert Iger is set to remain as CEO until July of 2019, following a contract expansion.
The Walt Disney Company sets a limit of 15 years of service on its board for every member. Still, that provides Barra with plenty of time to bring her experience and expertise to the Disney entertainment empire.
News Sources: Fortune, The Los Angeles Times
Zachary Berry currently resides in the Dayton, Ohio area. However, he enjoys traveling from place to place, as he was born in Oklahoma City and has also lived in Albuquerque and Orlando (such is the life of a military brat). Zachary graduated from Ohio University with a major in Strategic Communication, which is fancy talk for advertising and public relations. Beginning his career at The News Wheel as a lowly intern, he was able to climb his way to the top, eventually claiming his place within the last cubicle on the left. Other jobs that Zachary has held include driving around a safari truck at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. When he’s not putting his nose to the grindstone, Zachary enjoys watching and critiquing movies and television. See more articles by Zachary.