GM names female CFO, broadening diversity at top

The Detroit News Published 12:07 p.m. ET June 13, 2018 | Updated 7:54 p.m. ET June 13, 2018

Dhivya Suryadevara will be GM’s first female CFO. (GM)

(Photo: John F. Martin, John F. Martin for General Motor)

General Motors Co. has named its first female chief financial officer, bringing further diversity to the executive ranks of the only carmaker led by a woman.

As CFO, Dhivya Suryadevara, 39, will report to Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra.

“Dhivya’s experience and leadership in several key roles throughout our financial operations positions her well to build on the strong business results we’ve delivered over the last several years,” Barra said in a statement.

GM will join Hershey Co., American Water Works Co. and Signet Jewelers Ltd. on a very short list of S&P 500 companies with women serving as CEO and CFO.

Suryadevara has been GM’s vice president of corporate finance since July 2017, after a two-year stint as vice president of finance and treasurer. She began her career at the carmaker in 2005.

A graduate of the University of Madras in Chennai, India, Suryadevara played a key role in GM divesting its German affiliate Opel, acquiring self-driving car unit Cruise Automation, investing in ride-hailing startup Lyft Inc. and arranging a recent investment by SoftBank Vision Fund.

Suryadevara will move into her new job in September. She replaces Chuck Stevens, 58, who plans to retire next year after more than 40 years with the carmaker.  Stevens will remain with the company as an advisor until his retirement.

Chuck Stevens will retire as GM CFO.

 (Photo: nesteruk@gmail.com)

Stevens has been GM’s CFO since January 2014. He was CFO for North America from 2010 to 2014, and was interim CFO for GM South America from December 2011 to January 2013. He started his GM career at Buick Motor Division in 1978.

Bloomberg News contributed.

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