General Motors Appoints Cassandra Garber as New Chief Sustainability Officer

General Motors (GM) has named Cassandra Garber as its new Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), following the retirement of Kristen Siemen, who served in the role for 30 years. Garber, who previously held the position of CSO at Dell, brings a wealth of experience in driving sustainability initiatives across various industries. Her appointment comes as GM continues to accelerate its environmental and social responsibility efforts, particularly in the areas of carbon neutrality and the shift toward electric vehicles.

In her new role, Garber will oversee GM’s sustainability strategy, ensuring that the company continues to meet its ambitious goals. These goals include achieving carbon neutrality across global products and operations by 2040, reaching 100% renewable energy at its U.S. sites by the end of 2025, and globally by 2035. Additionally, GM is focusing on its transition to electric vehicles (EVs) with the aim of eliminating tailpipe emissions from new light-duty vehicles by 2035. Despite some challenges in the EV market, such as slower consumer adoption and a shifting regulatory environment, GM remains committed to advancing its sustainability efforts.

Garber’s career in sustainability spans several high-profile roles. Before joining Dell in 2021, where she became CSO in 2024, Garber worked at McKesson, 3M, and The Coca-Cola Company, gaining expertise in driving sustainable business practices across diverse sectors. Her experience at Dell helped the company make significant strides in its own sustainability initiatives, and GM is hoping to leverage her expertise to bolster its green initiatives moving forward.

Garber’s focus on sustainability aligns with GM’s broader strategy to integrate responsible business practices into every aspect of its operations. She will lead the company’s efforts to reduce environmental impact, while also fostering growth opportunities and risk reduction through sustainable business practices. Garber has stated that sustainable business is not only responsible but also smart, offering companies the opportunity to innovate and grow while making a tangible, positive impact on the environment.

GM’s appointment of Garber signals a renewed commitment to sustainability at a time when environmental concerns are becoming increasingly important to consumers, investors, and regulators. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, GM’s leadership in sustainability will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation and business practices. Garber’s appointment is particularly significant as it comes on Earth Day, reinforcing GM’s dedication to sustainability as a core principle of its business model.

The company is looking to expand its electric vehicle offerings and further integrate sustainable practices into its operations, and Garber’s expertise will be instrumental in driving these initiatives. With a focus on innovation, growth, and meaningful impact, GM is positioning itself as a leader in sustainability in the automotive industry.

Conclusion

Cassandra Garber’s appointment as GM’s Chief Sustainability Officer marks a key moment in the company’s journey towards a more sustainable future. With her extensive background in sustainability and proven track record at Dell, McKesson, 3M, and Coca-Cola, Garber is well-equipped to guide GM through the next phase of its environmental transformation. As GM continues to prioritize sustainability and carbon neutrality, Garber’s leadership will be central to ensuring that the company not only meets its goals but also sets new standards for responsible business practices in the automotive industry.

Source:Mark Segal, "GM Hires Dell’s Sustainability Head as New Chief Sustainability Officer