General Motors Co. today announced the election of retired Adm. Michael Mullen to its board of directors effective February 1.
Mullen served as the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2007 to 2011. He was the principal military advisor to President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama, as well as two Secretaries of Defense.
“We’re fortunate to have Adm. Mullen join GM’s Board of Directors. He brings proven leadership and deep experience in change management, strategic planning, technical innovation and risk management gained over the course of his 43 years serving our country,” said Dan Akerson, GM chairman and chief executive officer.
Mullen led the military during a critical period of transition, overseeing the end of the combat mission in Iraq and the development of a new military strategy for Afghanistan. He advocated for the rapid development and fielding of innovative technologies, championed emerging and enduring international partnerships, and advanced new methods for combating terrorism.
Mullen commanded at every level in the Navy including three ships, an aircraft carrier battle group and a fleet. His final four-star command was in Europe for NATO. His fleet experience culminated in his assignment as the Navy’s highest ranking officer, the 28th Chief of Naval Operations from 2005 to 2007.
Mullen is currently a visiting professor at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.
Mullen graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1968. He earned a Master’s of Science degree in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School and completed the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School.
The addition of Mullen brings the GM Board to 15 members.
