GM Promotes Baris Cetinok and Dave Richardson to Lead Software and Services Organization

Jo-Carolyn Goode | 6/3/2024, 11:34 a.m.
General Motors (GM) is making strategic advancements in the realm of electric, autonomous, and connected vehicles with the promotion of …
Baris Cetinok, who has been named senior vice president of Software and Services Product Management, Program Management, and Design
 
General Motors (GM) is making strategic advancements in the realm of electric, autonomous, and connected vehicles with the promotion of Baris Cetinok and Dave Richardson to lead its Software and Services organization. These seasoned executives are set to drive GM’s software and digital transformation, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the automotive industry.


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Dave Richardson, who has been promoted to senior vice president of Software and Services Engineering


Pioneers of GM’s Technological Future

Since joining GM in September 2023, Baris Cetinok and Dave Richardson have been instrumental in building the vehicle operating and digital systems. They have significantly enhanced quality testing and validation processes, establishing a robust foundation for integrating software as a central component of GM’s customer experience.

Baris Cetinok, now Senior Vice President of Software and Services Product Management, Program Management, and Design, will oversee teams responsible for designing the company’s software roadmap and developing, launching, and continually improving software programs. Cetinok’s extensive background includes more than 25 years in product, engineering, and design at tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple. At Apple, he was pivotal in launching Apple Pay, Apple Cash, Apple Card, and various iCloud services.

Dave Richardson, promoted to Senior Vice President of Software and Services Engineering, will expand his current role to lead all software engineering efforts, including embedded platforms, digital products, commercial solutions, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Richardson’s impressive tenure includes 12 years at Apple, where he was an engineering leader for services such as iCloud, FaceTime, and Siri. He also co-founded Skytap and advised the online marketplace Dibspace.

A Strategic Transition

Cetinok and Richardson take over from Mike Abbott, who departed GM in March 2024 due to health reasons. The duo will operate from the newly established GM Mountain View Technical Center in California, a hub for cutting-edge automotive innovation.

“GM's journey toward a tech-forward future is clearer than ever, thanks to the exceptional talent within our team and the leadership of Baris and Dave,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “They bring energy and vision, combined with extensive technical and management experience, that will continue to strengthen our software engineering and product teams. These elevated roles will ensure continuity, speed, and quality as software becomes even more central to the vehicle."

About General Motors

General Motors (NYSE: GM) is a global leader committed to advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the core of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, powering a range of vehicles from mass-market to high-performance models. GM, its subsidiaries, and joint ventures sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun, and Wuling brands. Additionally, GM's OnStar is a global leader in safety services and connected vehicle technology. For more information, visit [GM's official website](https://www.gm.com).