Josh Tavel
Senior Vice President, Manufacturing & Product Engineering, Research & Development
2021-02-19
In Josh’s current role, his mission for the team is to engineer efficiently, seamlessly integrated innovations that inspire and captivate, and establish GM as the benchmark of engineering excellence by turning every boundary into an opportunity. He focuses on the art of possible based on first principles, not precedent or constraints.
Under his leadership, the team is reshaping the future of vehicles, processes and manufacturing. In product development, they are revolutionizing how solutions and processes are engineered by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). On the manufacturing front, they are redefining automation by harnessing the power of autonomy, AI, and ML to drive innovation and efficiency.
In his former role as Global Vice President of Customer Care and Aftersales, Tavel led the team responsible for servicing every vehicle in GM’s portfolio and delivery of parts worldwide for GM and non-GM vehicles. During his time in this role, his team successfully deployed a strategy to define a frictionless customer experience for both our ICE and EV service customers as the company accelerates its transition to an all-electric future.
Previously, Tavel served as the Executive Chief Engineer for Battery Electric Trucks, leading a team responsible for GM’s dedicated, electric truck architecture that has become the benchmark for speed-to-market with quality. In addition to being an EV pioneer, Tavel has held various US and international truck positions, covering mid-size, light duty, and the commercial medium duty trucks and upfitter integration.
Tavel joined GM in 2001 and has worked in a variety of locations, including Sao Paulo and Indiatuba Brazil, Incheon South Korea, GM’s Technical Center in Warren, Michigan and GM’s Proving Grounds in Milford, Michigan. He has extensive experience across the product development process, vehicle, and hardware engineering. Additionally, he has also worked in Manufacturing and has created many external partnerships.
Tavel earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Engineering and Technology from Minnesota State University and a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan. He is an avid racing competitor, competing in everything from BMX, Motocross, Autocross, and Road Racing. Recently his focus has been racing nationally with the Sports Car Club of America. He enjoys experiencing the outdoors with his wife and two daughters and when not at work or racing, can be found hiking, off-roading, wake surfing, skiing, and snowboarding.