General Motors Appoints Former Tesla and Google Executive to Head Manufacturing Division

After a 44-year tenure with General Motors, Gerald Johnson, the executive vice president of Global Manufacturing and Sustainability, is set to retire from his position. The retirement is effective April 2, and Johnson will continue to serve the automaker through the remainder of the year.

New Appointment from Tesla and Google

Following Johnson's retirement, General Motors has announced the appointment of Jens Peter "JP" Clausen to fill the vacant position. Clausen, a former executive with Tesla, Lego and most recently, Google, will step into the role previously held by Johnson. His extensive experience in the technology and manufacturing sectors positions him as a key figure in GM's future endeavors.

Departure of Mike Abbott

In a surprising turn of events, General Motors also revealed the departure of Mike Abbott, the executive vice president of software and services. Abbott, a former Apple executive who joined GM in May, will be stepping down from his position due to health reasons. Baris Cetinok, the current vice president of product in software and services and also a former Apple executive, will assume the role of Abbott's interim replacement while a search for a permanent successor is underway.

Implications for Electric Vehicle Manufacturing

The hiring of Clausen holds significant implications for General Motors as it seeks to advance its capabilities in manufacturing batteries and powertrains for electric vehicles. With Tesla's expertise and success in this field, Clausen's experience will be instrumental in GM's efforts to not only match but surpass Tesla's achievements.

Jens Peter Clausen's Career

Prior to joining General Motors, Jens Peter Clausen served in various influential roles across renowned companies. His tenure at Tesla, particularly as the vice president of the Nevada Gigafactory, underscores his expertise in leading the expansion of manufacturing facilities and optimizing production processes. Additionally, his involvement in Tesla's transition from a niche player to a mass-market autos business attests to his significant contributions to the company's growth.

Following his tenure at Tesla, Clausen's tenure at Zymergen and later at Google further solidified his prominence in pioneering sustainable growth initiatives and advocating for environmentally responsible solutions in manufacturing and technology.

Connection with Tesla

It's worth noting that Clausen's appointment at General Motors is part of a broader trend of executives with ties to Tesla joining the company. Notably, former Tesla President of Global Sales and Service Jon McNeill is among the board members at General Motors, signifying an alignment of expertise and vision between the two automakers as they navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles.