Former chairman of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Michael Mullen signs up as GM's newest board member.
General Motors Co. has recruited retired Admiral Michael Mullen to serve on its board of directors.
Mullen, who like GM chairman Dan Akerson is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, 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 carried over in the post for the first years of President Barack Obama’s initial term of office – serving under 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,” Akerson said.
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.
The admiral’s background also gives him extensive experience and knowledge about China, which is now GM’s largest market, the maker said.
China also has emerged as the most potent challenge to the U.S. Navy’s dominance of the world’s sea lanes, giving Mullen a unique perspective on GM’s China investment. Mullen’s background is likely to make him one of the China skeptics on the board, which until now has raised few questions about GM’s China commitments.
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.