Thomas G. Stephens was appointed to the newly created position of General Motors’ Global Chief Technology Officer, effective February 1, 2011.  As Vice Chairman and CTO, Stephens’ role is to anticipate and develop advanced technologies for integration into GM vehicles.  He is a member of the Executive Committee and reports to Chairman and CEO, Daniel Akerson.

Most recently, Stephens served as vice chairman, Global Product Operations since April 2009; with the expanded role of overseeing global purchasing organization since December 2009.  

Stephens began his career with GM in 1969 as an hourly employee at the Chevrolet Engineering Center in Warren, Mich., under the University of Michigan's student co-op program. Upon graduation, he became a junior engineer at the Cadillac Motor Car Division in Detroit. He served the next nine years as an experimental engineer and staff project engineer in the experimental laboratories before being promoted to supervisor of product engineering in 1980. Two years later, Stephens was named staff engineer of emissions and transmissions.

In 1985, he joined the Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac Powertrain Division as senior staff engineer of transmissions and powertrain controls. He served as assistant chief engineer for Cadillac's 4.5 liter V8 engine. In 1988, he was promoted to plant manager at the B-O-C Powertrain Livonia Engine Plant. In 1990, Stephens was named director of engineering for GM Engine Division. He became director of engine engineering for GM Powertrain in December 1991, when the division was formed. He was appointed engineering operations general manager for GM Powertrain Group in Pontiac, Michigan, in July 1993. In March 1994, he was elected a GM vice president.

From May 1996 through December 2000, Stephens was GM vice president and group director of engineering operations for the GM Truck Group. He was appointed vice president of vehicle integration in January 2001 and held this position prior to being named group vice president for GM Global Powertrain in July 2001.  In January 2007, Stephens' responsibilities were expanded, and he was appointed group vice president, GM Global Powertrain and Global Quality.  Stephens was promoted to executive vice president of GM Global Powertrain and Global Quality in March 2008.

In 1971, Stephens received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan.  He serves on the board of directors for FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, he is a member of the board of trustees for the Detroit Science Center, and he also serves on the University of Michigan Engineering Advisory Council.

In February 2007, Stephens was elected as a new member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), for his leadership role in the development of automotive powertrains with improved performance, fuel efficiency, and lower emissions.
 
Revised: 08/26/11