General Motors Appoints Barak Turovsky as First Chief AI Officer

General Motors (GM) has appointed Barak Turovsky as its first Chief Artificial Intelligence (AI) Officer, marking a significant step in the automaker's commitment to integrating AI across its operations. Turovsky, 49, brings over 25 years of experience in AI and product management, having previously served as Vice President of AI at Cisco and as Head of Product for Languages AI at Google.

In his new role, Turovsky will report to Dave Richardson, GM's Senior Vice President of Software and Services Engineering. His primary responsibilities include developing and implementing GM's AI strategy across various sectors, such as electric vehicles (EVs), internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, and autonomous driving technologies. His team will focus on integrating AI software capabilities into GM's vehicle lineup and optimizing manufacturing processes.

"AI is central to GM's EV, ICE, and autonomous future," Richardson stated. "With deep expertise, Barak will accelerate the team's AI efforts, including enhancing products, optimizing operations, and improving the customer experience."

GM has been actively incorporating AI to enhance various aspects of its operations. The company utilizes AI to create digital twins of assembly lines, allowing for virtual testing and production simulations to reduce downtime. AI also aids in inspecting welds and paint coats to identify irregularities, thereby improving vehicle quality.

In collaboration with NVIDIA, GM is developing next-generation vehicles using AI, simulation, and accelerated computing. This partnership includes building custom AI systems for advanced driver-assistance systems and in-cabin safety features. "GM has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with NVIDIA, leveraging its GPUs across our operations," said Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of General Motors. "AI not only optimizes manufacturing processes and accelerates virtual testing but also helps us build smarter vehicles while empowering our workforce to focus on craftsmanship."

The appointment of a Chief AI Officer aligns with a broader trend in the automotive industry, where companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of AI in driving innovation and competitiveness. By establishing this role, GM underscores its dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the automotive sector.

Turovsky's extensive background in AI positions him to drive innovation and maintain GM's competitive edge in the rapidly evolving automotive industry. His leadership is expected to enhance vehicle features, improve operational efficiency, and elevate the overall customer experience across GM's electric, internal combustion, and autonomous vehicle segments.

As GM continues to invest in AI and related technologies, the company aims to offer the highest-quality vehicles in the most attractive portfolio. The manufacturing team is at the forefront of identifying innovations to enhance safety and quality, reduce costs, and support employees from foundries to final assembly, and everywhere in between.

By strengthening its AI expertise, GM is poised to navigate the evolving automotive landscape and meet the growing demand for advanced, intelligent vehicles.