When Barra took over as CEO of General Motors in January 2014, she became the automotive industry's first female CEO.[19]​.

During his first year as president, General Motors recalled 84 products for safety concerns that affected more than 30 million automobiles.[20] Barra was called before the Senate to testify about these recalls and the deaths attributed to the faulty ignition switch. Barra and General Motors were also suspected of paying awards to burnish the image of the CEO and the corporation during that time. The replacements led to the creation of new policies that encouraged workers to report the problems they encounter, in an attempt to change the company's culture.[16]​.

As CEO, Barra has focused GM as a company transitioning into the technology space by advancing the driverless automotive sector. To this end, it has made major acquisitions, including Strobe, a startup focused on driverless technology.[23]​ In 2017, it pushed GM to develop the Chevrolet Bolt EV, surpassing rival Tesla in developing the first electric car priced below and with a range "Autonomy (device)") of 200 miles (322 km).[24]​.

In 2017, Barra was the highest-paid management position in Detroit, with total compensation of $21.96 million.[25]​ In November 2018, Barra announced the closure of five North American plants and workers.[26]​.

In 2018, he received full compensation of his salary for (equivalent to $26,536,141 in 2023), plus (equivalent to $2,548,052 in 2023) as a portion of it.[27]​.

In February 2008, he became Vice President of Global Manufacturing Engineering. In July 2009, she was promoted to the position of vice president of Global Human Resources, a position she held until February 2011, when she was named executive vice president of Global Product Development.[14]​[17]​ In this last position she also had responsibility for design; and worked to reduce the number of automobile platforms "Platform (automobile)") at GM.[2]​ In August 2013, his responsibility as vice president was expanded to include the global purchasing and supply chain.[18]​.

When Barra took over as CEO of General Motors in January 2014, she became the automotive industry's first female CEO.[19]​.

During his first year as president, General Motors recalled 84 products for safety concerns that affected more than 30 million automobiles.[20] Barra was called before the Senate to testify about these recalls and the deaths attributed to the faulty ignition switch. Barra and General Motors were also suspected of paying awards to burnish the image of the CEO and the corporation during that time. The replacements led to the creation of new policies that encouraged workers to report the problems they encounter, in an attempt to change the company's culture.[16]​.

As CEO, Barra has focused GM as a company transitioning into the technology space by advancing the driverless automotive sector. To this end, it has made major acquisitions, including Strobe, a startup focused on driverless technology.[23]​ In 2017, it pushed GM to develop the Chevrolet Bolt EV, surpassing rival Tesla in developing the first electric car priced below and with a range "Autonomy (device)") of 200 miles (322 km).[24]​.

In 2017, Barra was the highest-paid management position in Detroit, with total compensation of $21.96 million.[25]​ In November 2018, Barra announced the closure of five North American plants and workers.[26]​.

In 2018, he received full compensation of his salary for (equivalent to $26,536,141 in 2023), plus (equivalent to $2,548,052 in 2023) as a portion of it.[27]​.