In a bold move towards its tech-forward future, General Motors (GM) has announced the promotion of Baris Cetinok and Dave Richardson to helm its Software and Services organization. As GM drives innovation in electric, autonomous, and connected vehicles, these seasoned executives are poised to lead the charge.

Transformative Leadership for a Tech-Driven Era

Since joining GM in September 2023, Cetinok and Richardson have been instrumental in advancing GM's vehicle operating and digital systems. Their expertise has enhanced quality testing and validation processes, laying a solid foundation for software to become a cornerstone of GM’s customer experience.

“GM's journey toward a tech-forward future is clearer than ever, thanks to the exceptional talent within our team and the leadership of Baris and Dave,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “They bring energy and vision, combined with extensive technical and management experience, that will continue to strengthen our software engineering and product teams. These elevated roles will ensure continuity, speed, and quality as software becomes even more central to the vehicle."

Baris Cetinok: Pioneering Product Management

As Senior Vice President of Software and Services Product Management, Program Management, and Design, Baris Cetinok will oversee teams responsible for GM’s software roadmap design and the processes for software program development, launch, and continual improvement. With over 25 years of experience at tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple, Cetinok has a proven track record of innovation. At Apple, he launched groundbreaking services such as Apple Pay, Apple Cash, Apple Card, and iCloud. His leadership in developing Microsoft Office and Amazon Payments in AWS underscores his capability to drive GM's software advancements.

Dave Richardson: Engineering Excellence

 Dave Richardson, who has been promoted to senior vice president of Software and Services Engineering
 

Dave Richardson, now Senior Vice President of Software and Services Engineering, will expand his role to lead all software engineering efforts. This includes embedded platforms, digital products, commercial solutions, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). With a 12-year tenure at Apple, Richardson was pivotal in enhancing infrastructure for services like iCloud, FaceTime, and Siri. His academic credentials, with a Ph.D. and a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Washington, and his entrepreneurial spirit as co-founder of Skytap and advisor for Dibspace, position him to excel in his new role.

Continuing a Legacy of Innovation

Taking over from Mike Abbott, who departed GM in March 2024 due to health reasons, Cetinok and Richardson will operate out of the new GM Mountain View Technical Center in California. Their leadership marks a new chapter for GM as the company accelerates towards an all-electric, inclusive future.

Driving Towards an All-Electric Future

General Motors is committed to an all-electric future, powered by the Ultium battery platform, which supports a range of vehicles from mass-market to high-performance models. GM's subsidiaries and joint ventures, including Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun, and Wuling, are integral to this strategy. Additionally, OnStar continues to be a global leader in safety services and connected vehicle technology.

Join the Revolution

For more information about GM’s innovative journey and its commitment to a sustainable future, visit GM’s official website https://www.gm.com.