General Motors is reportedly looking at an ex-Tesla executive to be its next CEO

General Motors is reportedly considering Sterling Anderson as a future replacement for CEO Mary Barra. Anderson, currently the company’s Chief Product Officer, joined GM in mid-2025 with a clear mission: to boost software, autonomous driving, and computing across its vehicles. His role has placed him at the centre of the automaker’s push to rival tech-driven competitors.

Barra, who has led GM since 2014, remains the longest-serving CEO since the company’s post-bankruptcy restructuring. Now, Anderson’s work is being closely watched as a potential stepping stone to the top position.

Before arriving at GM, Anderson spent years at Tesla, where he oversaw the Model X programme and led the team behind Tesla Autopilot. His background also includes co-founding Aurora, an autonomous trucking startup, further solidifying his reputation in software and self-driving technology.

At GM, his focus has been on speeding up development by merging hardware and software teams more tightly. The goal is to create a seamless, faster process—one that can help the automaker keep pace with rivals like Tesla. His performance in this role is widely viewed as an unofficial test for whether he could eventually take over from Barra.

The shift reflects GM’s broader strategy: moving beyond traditional manufacturing to become a leader in software and autonomous vehicles. Anderson’s experience aligns closely with this vision, making him a natural candidate for future leadership.

Anderson’s track record at Tesla and Aurora, combined with his current responsibilities at GM, positions him as a strong contender for the CEO role. The company’s push into software and autonomy will likely depend on his success in unifying development teams. For now, his work remains under scrutiny as GM weighs its long-term leadership plans.

General Motors is reportedly looking at an ex-Tesla executive to be its next CEO