GM hires ex-Tesla, Aurora exec Sterling Anderson as chief product officer

General Motors has hired Sterling Anderson, a former Tesla executive and co-founder of autonomous vehicle company Aurora Innovation, as its chief product officer. In the newly created position, Anderson will oversee the “end-to-end product lifecycle for both gas- and electric-powered vehicles, including hardware, software, services, and user experience,” GM said Monday.

Background on Sterling Anderson

Anderson, who worked at Tesla for two years before forming Aurora in 2017, will start with the Detroit automaker on June 2. He will report to GM President Mark Reuss, who has been the automaker’s longtime product head, or resident “car guy.” Anderson is the latest ex-Tesla executive to join GM, which continues to roll out new technologies and electric vehicles despite slower-than-expected adoption across the industry.

GM’s Electric Vehicle Plans

GM is attempting to balance its rollout of electric vehicles with gas-powered models at the same time it is advancing technologies such as its Super Cruise advanced driver-assistance system to better compete against Tesla — the U.S. EV and software leader — as well as emerging auto startups from China. GM previously brought on former Tesla executives Kurt Kelty to lead batteries; Jens Peter “JP” Clausen, who recently left the automaker after leading manufacturing for roughly a year; and Jon McNeill as a member of the company’s board.

Reaction from GM Executives

“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 said in a release. GM CEO and Chair Mary Barra added: “Sterling will help accelerate the pace of progress — he shares our passion and vision for beautifully designed, high-performing, and technology-forward vehicles.”

Anderson’s Previous Experience

Anderson was most recently chief product officer at Aurora, which he co-founded with CEO Chris Urmson and others. Aurora disclosed he would be leaving the company, effective June 1, in a regulatory filing last week. His departure follows the company recently launching a commercial self-driving truck service in Texas. At Tesla, Anderson led teams for the Model X SUV and Tesla’s controversial “Autopilot” advanced driver-assistance system.

Conclusion

The hiring of Sterling Anderson by General Motors marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to advance its electric vehicle and technology offerings. With Anderson’s experience and expertise, GM is well-positioned to compete with Tesla and other emerging auto startups.

FAQs

Q: Who is Sterling Anderson?
A: Sterling Anderson is a former Tesla executive and co-founder of autonomous vehicle company Aurora Innovation, who has been hired by General Motors as its chief product officer.
Q: What will Anderson’s role be at GM?
A: Anderson will oversee the “end-to-end product lifecycle for both gas- and electric-powered vehicles, including hardware, software, services, and user experience.”
Q: When will Anderson start at GM?
A: Anderson will start with the Detroit automaker on June 2.
Q: Who will Anderson report to at GM?
A: Anderson will report to GM President Mark Reuss.
Q: What is GM’s goal in hiring Anderson?
A: GM aims to accelerate the pace of progress in its electric vehicle and technology offerings, and to better compete with Tesla and other emerging auto startups.