DETROIT – General Motors has appointed Sterling Anderson, a former Tesla executive and co-founder of Aurora Innovation, as its chief product officer. This newly established role will see Anderson manage the comprehensive product lifecycle for both gas and electric vehicles, encompassing hardware, software, services, and user experience, according to a statement released by GM on Monday.
Anderson, who served a two-year tenure at Tesla prior to founding Aurora in 2017, is set to begin his new position at GM on June 2. He will report directly to Mark Reuss, GM President and the company’s long-time product lead.
This marks another instance of a Tesla veteran joining GM, which has actively integrated cutting-edge technologies and expanded its electric vehicle lineup, despite facing slower-than-anticipated integration across the market. Previous Tesla recruits include Kurt Kelty, who now leads battery operations, Jens Peter “JP” Clausen, who oversaw manufacturing until recently, and Jon McNeill, who serves on the company’s board.
GM is working to harmonize the launch of electric vehicles with its traditional gas-powered models while simultaneously advancing technologies like its Super Cruise advanced driver-assistance system. This strategy aims to enhance its competitive edge against Tesla, the dominant player in the EV sector, as well as new automotive entrants from China.
“Sterling brings decades of leadership in automotive engineering and transformative software innovation to his new role and is the right leader to help GM continue leading now and into the future,” Reuss stated in a release.
Mary Barra, GM’s CEO and Chair, highlighted Anderson’s potential, noting, “Sterling will help accelerate the pace of progress – he shares our passion and vision for beautifully designed, high-performing, and technology-forward vehicles.”
Most recently, Anderson held the position of chief product officer at Aurora, a company he co-founded with CEO Chris Urmson and others. Last week, Aurora announced his departure in a regulatory filing, effective June 1.
While at Tesla, Anderson was instrumental in leading teams responsible for developing the Model X SUV and the contentious “Autopilot” advanced driver-assistance system.
