GM’s Mary Barra named Business Roundtable chair

GM chair and CEO Mary Barra, a transformational leader of an iconic American company, on Wednesday was elected chair of the Business Roundtable, the association of CEOs of top American companies.

Why it matters: Barra gives the BRT its first female chair, ahead of the group’s 50th anniversary next year. She has long been personally engaged on some of the most important issues for members, including climate and workforce.

• Barra begins a two-year term Jan. 1. She succeeds Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon, who began his tenure in 2020, and will remain active on BRT’s board.

In presiding over BRT’s response to the pandemic and the killing of George Floyd, McMillon drew on his experience as leader of a company with a presence throughout the country.

• McMillon helped BRT members navigate expanded expectations of CEOs. He pushed the Roundtable and its members to lean forward on racial reckoning in substantive ways.
• With a pragmatic, nonpartisan style,…

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