Mary Barra Of GM Earned $48.2 Million In 2025, Over Three Times The CEO Of Ford

GM led 2025 U.S. auto sales with 2.85 million vehicles despite powertrain shifts and investment adjustments, while CEO Mary Barra’s realized compensation reached $48.2 million.

According to the Automotive News/Equilar CEO Compensation Study, Mary Barra’s realized compensation rose 61.7% to $48.2 million in 2024, reflecting exercised stock options and equity awards rather than the $29.9 million reported to the SEC. This figure ranks her third among 57 U.S. auto-industry CEOs, behind Nvidia’s Jen-Hsun Huang ($152.9 million) and Flex’s Revathi Advaithi ($48.8 million), both of whom lead major tech suppliers for the sector.

Traditional automaker CEOs ranked lower: Ford’s Jim Farley earned $16.7 million (down 39%), and Rivian’s RJ Scaringe received $12.4 million (down 11%). Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa was excluded as a non-U.S.-based firm. Equilar reports Barra’s five-year compensation at $201 million, more than double Farley’s $86.6 million.

Looking ahead to 2026, General Motors continues to navigate significant uncertainties, particularly regarding its evolving electric vehicle (EV) strategy. The company has implemented several rounds of temporary layoffs at its Factory Zero EV facility, reflecting these shifting priorities. Notably, Cadillac—once committed to an all-electric lineup by 2030—has revised its approach, with next-generation internal combustion engine versions of the CT5, XT5, and XT6 now under development.

A critical juncture for GM will be the introduction of the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado. As one of the best-selling models in the United States, its market performance will be pivotal to sustaining the company’s current momentum. Furthermore, Chevrolet is addressing previous reliability concerns by replacing the 6.2-liter L87 V8—which has been subject to various recalls and litigation—with a new 6.6-liter Gen 6 L78 V8. The updated truck is slated for release later this year.

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