GM Picks Up Ex-Apple Exec
Abbott will lead its new software division for vehicle and enterprise tech.

GM is looking to the future with electric vehicles and its software platform.
IMAGE: Pexels/500photos.com
General Motors added a former Apple executive to head its new software unit.
Mike Abbott will assume the new executive vice president, software role on May 22, reporting to CEO Mary Barra, GM said. He previously headed engineering for Apple’s Cloud Services division.
The Detroit-based carmaker said Abbott will head its new “integrated end-to-end software organization focused on the development of vehicle and enterprise software technologies and solutions, and delivery of digital services and features to retail and commercial customers.”
At Apple, Abbott led a team that developed infrastructure for cloud-based services, including iCloud Message, Mail and account security, GM said.
Addressing Abbott’s addition, Barra said in a press release about his hire that, “We have entered the next phase of our technology driven transformation focused on rapidly scaling new EV models and our Ultifi software platform, which will drive faster innovation and enable new and exciting customer experiences.”
DIG DEEPER: GM Invests in New EVs and ICE Parts Distribution
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