GM tech executive shakeup continues on software team

General Motors is undergoing a significant transformation in its software division, marked by the recent exit of three high-ranking executives within a month. Baris Cetinok, the senior vice president of software and services product management, is set to leave the company on December 12, as confirmed by GM to TechCrunch. This news was initially reported by CNBC. Cetinok's departure follows that of Dave Richardson, senior vice president of software and services engineering, and Barak Turovsky, who joined GM in March as the head of AI. All three executives brought extensive technical expertise to the company, having previously worked with notable tech giants such as Apple and Google. These changes come in the wake of GM appointing Sterling Anderson as the new chief product officer, a role designed to streamline various technology sectors within the automaker. Anderson is tasked with overseeing nearly every department, including vehicle and manufacturing engineering, battery technology, and software product management. Reporting directly to GM President Mark Reuss, Anderson's goal is to enhance the lifecycle management of the company's offerings, ensuring a cohesive approach to hardware, software, services, and user experience. The restructuring aims to eliminate silos within GM's operations, fostering a more integrated approach to software development and deployment across its range of vehicles, from cars to SUVs. In a move to bolster the team, Anderson is also recruiting new talent. Cristian Mori, with experience at Symbiotic, Rivian, and Boston Dynamics, has been appointed to lead a newly established robotics division. This marks the first time GM will have a dedicated chief of robotics, previously falling under the manufacturing engineers. Additionally, GM has brought on board Behrad Toghi, formerly of Apple, as the new AI lead. Rashed Haq has also joined the company as vice president of autonomous vehicles, bringing five years of experience from Cruise, the self-driving vehicle venture that GM acquired and later closed. As GM continues to pivot towards a more cohesive technological future, these executive changes signal a bold step in redefining its software strategy and enhancing its competitive edge in the automotive industry.