General Motors has announced the promotion of two former Apple executives to spearhead its software and services operations as the company intensifies efforts in developing and marketing electric, autonomous, and connected vehicles.
Baris Cetinok has been appointed as the senior vice president of software and services product management, while Dave Richardson will serve as the senior vice president of software and services engineering. Both executives joined GM in September last year, according to a statement released by the Detroit automaker on Monday.
The move comes as GM endeavors to enhance revenue generation from software and services and transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to battery-powered ones.
In his new role, Cetinok will oversee teams responsible for software products, while Richardson will lead all software engineering, including digital products and partially automated driving systems.
Cetinok boasts over 25 years of experience in product, engineering, and design, having previously worked at Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple. During his tenure at Apple, he served as the senior director of product management and played a key role in the launch of Apple Pay, Apple Card, and iCloud services such as photos.
Richardson, who spent twelve years at Apple, led engineering efforts for services such as iCloud, FaceTime, and Siri.
Both executives will report directly to GM’s CEO Mary Barra and will be integral members of the company’s senior leadership team. They will be based at GM’s technical center in Mountain View, California.
GM has faced challenges in scaling up electric vehicle production, with software issues being a significant hurdle. Additionally, its autonomous vehicle unit, Cruise, has been working to overcome setbacks following a high-profile crash in San Francisco and allegations of attempts to conceal an incident involving a pedestrian.
