Portrait of Mary Barra
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Mary Barra on Forbes

Frequent Honoree (strong)

TL;DR

Mary Barra is frequently featured and recognized on various prominent Forbes lists throughout her career.

Key Points

  • She has been consistently ranked on Forbes's annual World's Most Powerful Women list since at least 2013.

  • A Forbes article in January 2026 discussed her leadership reminder for an era dominated by Artificial Intelligence.

  • She was included in the Forbes 50 Over 50 list, which was inaugurated in 2021.

Summary

Mary Barra has been a recurring subject of coverage and recognition within Forbes publications, often appearing on their highly-regarded lists. She was listed as 35th on Forbes's Most Powerful Women list in 2013, and her rank has subsequently improved, placing her fourth most powerful in 2018 and seventh in 2025. Furthermore, she was selected for the inaugural Forbes 50 Over 50 in 2021. Forbes articles also cover her strategic decisions as CEO of General Motors, such as the pivot to electric vehicles and commentary on leadership principles in the age of AI. The publication also maintains a profile page for her, cataloging her tenure and accolades.

This sustained coverage implies a positive editorial stance, reflecting her high-profile role as the first female CEO of a major automaker and her significant business impact. Her mentions are tied to major corporate announcements, like EV investments and executive compensation, demonstrating Forbes's interest in her leadership and the direction of General Motors under her direction. Specific mentions include ranking her among the World's 100 Most Powerful Women in 2017, illustrating the magazine's consistent tracking of her influence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mary Barra's position relative to Forbes is that of a highly regarded and frequently covered executive. She is recognized for her impact, appearing multiple times on their lists of powerful women.

Yes, her recognition has evolved positively; she was ranked 35th on Forbes's Most Powerful Women list in 2013 and has since risen in the rankings to be near the top ten.

Recent coverage in Forbes has focused on her comments regarding necessary leadership reminders in the context of Artificial Intelligence. She also contributed to a Forbes Books piece on seizing opportunity.

Sources7

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.