How Much of General Motors Does Mary Barra Own?
Mary Barra, the CEO and Chair of General Motors (GM), is one of the most influential figures in the auto industry. She has led GM through major transformations, including its push into electric vehicles. But how much of GM does she actually own? Let’s break it down.
How Much GM Stock Does Mary Barra Own?
As of November 2024, Mary Barra owns approximately 863,676 shares of GM stock. At a stock price of around $50 per share, this puts the value of her holdings at roughly $43 million. However, this ownership represents only about 0.09% of General Motors' total outstanding shares—a relatively small stake in the company she leads.
Recent Stock Transactions
Barra has been actively buying and selling GM stock:
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October 2024: Sold 506,824 shares, earning around $27 million.
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May 2024: Sold $27.2 million in stock while also purchasing $11.2 million worth of GM shares.
These moves indicate she is both cashing out some of her earnings while maintaining a stake in the company, a woman with a solid plan.
Related: General Motors Shifts Focus From Robotaxis to Driver-Assistance Technology
Related: Leading Women in Business: Top Female CEOs of 2025
How Much Does Mary Barra Make?
Mary Barra has consistently ranked as one of the highest-paid executives in the auto industry. In previous years, her compensation package has included:
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Base Salary: Around $2 million per year
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Performance Bonuses: Based on company performance
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Stock Awards & Incentives: Often exceeding $20 million per year
In 2023, her total compensation was $28.98 million, which included stock options, bonuses, and other benefits. Her 2024 earnings are expected to be in a similar range.
Who Actually Owns General Motors?
While Mary Barra is the public face of GM, she is far from the largest shareholder. The majority of GM stock is owned by institutional investors. Here are the top shareholders in 2025 according to GuruFocus:
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BlackRock Inc. – Owns 9.93% (98.79 million shares)
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The Vanguard Group – Owns 9.34% (92.95 million shares)
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UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust – Owns 10.07% (100.15 million shares)
These institutional investors hold significant power over GM’s future decisions.
Final Thoughts
Mary Barra may not own a massive stake in GM, but her leadership and influence far outweigh her stock ownership. With billions in revenue and a strong institutional backing, GM remains one of the most significant players in the global auto industry. Mary Barra is an inspiration, as a powerful woman in an industry which is male dominated and to have taken her company to the heights of 2025 is an impressive achievement we can look up to.
