General Motors selected a former top executive from Tesla Inc. and Lyft Inc. as a member of the company’s board of directors.
Jonathan McNeill, 55, co-founder and CEO of DVx Ventures, has joined GM’s board.
In 2019, McNeill founded DVx, a venture firm focused on creating and scaling breakthrough businesses that will have a positive impact on the world. He made the move after driving significant growth at Lyft, the ride sharing company, and as Tesla’s chief operating officer and president, Global Sales, Delivery and Service as the electric vehicle builder’s sales accelerated in North America, Europe and Asia.
McNeill’s experience cited by GM
“Jon’s passion for customers and track record driving growth in the transportation sector will be a tremendous asset to GM as we accelerate toward an all-electric future,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra in a statement.
“His experience driving constructive disruption to grow businesses and his commitment to making a positive impact on society will be invaluable as we reimagine how our customers and communities move through the world,” Barra said.
McNeill said he was looking forward to his new role with GM.
“I am excited to help GM unlock the opportunities enabled by its transformative investments in technology,” said McNeill. “GM is rapidly changing to meet the world’s need for cleaner and safer transportation and they’re uncovering new growth opportunities with every hardware and software innovation they’re introducing.”
Before joining Tesla in 2015, McNeill was the CEO of software company Enservio, Inc. Prior to that, he founded and sold multiple successful technology and retail companies including Midwest Cycling, Sterling Collision Centers Inc., First Notice Systems and Before You Move. He started his career at Bain & Co. Inc. He also serves on lululemon athletica inc.’s Board of Directors.
Second new director
In August, GM tapped Joanne Crevoiserat, 58, chief executive officer of Tapestry Inc. for its board of directors.
Tapestry is a leading New York-based house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle brands consisting of Coach, Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman.
Crevoiserat joined the company in 2019 as chief financial officer and became CEO in 2020. She also serves on Tapestry’s Board of Directors and is a member of the Business Roundtable. Under her leadership, Tapestry is among Newsweek’s “America’s Most Responsible Companies,” Forbes’ “Best Employers for Diversity” and certified as a “Great Place to Work.”
“Joanne’s approach to driving growth, which focuses on integrating data-driven insights to elevate the consumer experience, will be invaluable to GM as we launch our all-electric portfolio, introduce additional software-based services, and scale businesses in new markets,” Barra noted at the time.
“As we accelerate our transformation, we have an incredible opportunity to drive loyalty for our iconic brands and attract new customers, which is exactly what Joanne has done at Tapestry,” Barra said.
GM’s Board now has 13 directors who have senior leadership and board experience across manufacturing, information technology, digital commerce, retail, higher education, investment management, international affairs, defense, transportation, cybersecurity, and pharmaceuticals, among other fields. Six of GM’s directors are women and 12 are independent.
The Big Two go from mocking Musk to poaching from him. Unfortunately, they not only need Elon himself, but would need to let him control the company and you know the chances of that happening.
Musk at a legitimate car co? Laughable.