Following controversy over highly publicized vehicle ignition switch investigations, General Motors recently announced it is recalling more than 1.5 million General Motors vehicles (which includes compact cars sold in the U.S. and Canada as well as Mexico).
The move is seen as a major push by the automaker’s CEO Mary Barra to further improve GM’s own processes related to vehicle safety and customer satisfaction. As part of that strategy, Barra has also appointed a new vehicle safety chief.
Jeff Boyer, a 40-year veteran at GM with experience in engineering and safety has been named Vice-President, Global Vehicle Safety.
In his new role, Boyer will have global responsibility for the safety development of GM vehicle systems, confirmation and validation of safety performance, as well as post-sale safety activities, including recalls.
Boyer will provide regular and frequent updates on vehicle safety to Barra, senior management and the GM Board of Directors.
“Jeff’s appointment provides direct and ongoing access to GM leadership and the Board of Directors on critical customer safety issues,” said Barra. “This new role elevates and integrates our safety process under a single leader so we can set a new standard for customer safety with more rigorous accountability. If there are any obstacles in his way, Jeff has the authority to clear them. If he needs any additional resources, he will get them.”
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers in the vehicles they drive,” said Boyer. “Today’s GM is committed to this, and I’m ready to take on this assignment.”
As a result of his new position, Boyer is now also a member of GM’s Global Product Development Staff, led by Mark Reuss and will report directly to John Calabrese, Vice- President of Global Vehicle Engineering.
Boyer began his GM career in 1974, as a co-op student and has held several senior engineering, safety and process leadership positions, including the role of a total vehicle integration engineer.
His most recent position since 2011 was Executive Director of Engineering Operations and Systems Development. Before that, Boyer served as Executive Director of Global Interior Engineering and Safety Performance where he was responsible for the performance and certification of GM vehicle safety and crashworthiness.
