Automaker General Motors announced today that it has appointed Kristen Siemen as its new Vice President of Sustainable Workplaces and Chief Sustainability Officer. Siemen replaces current CSO Dane Parker, who will be retiring in May.

GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra, said:

“Dane has helped the company strengthen our work to address climate change and efforts to realize a future with zero emissions, and we wish him every success. I look forward to Kristen’s leadership in driving our ongoing actions to create a safer, more sustainable world.”

In her new role, Siemen will lead GM’s company-wide sustainability strategy, including integration of its vision to reach a zero-emissions future. Earlier this year, GM announced a series of ambitious climate initiatives, including targets to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, and an aspiration to eliminate tailpipe emissions from new light-duty vehicles by 2035. The company has made major investment commitments towards electrifying its fleet, with capital allocated to AV and EV efforts through 2025 expected to reach $27 billion.

Siemen has held several senior roles at GM, most recently serving as Executive Director – Global Energy Strategy, Certification & Compliance, and Test Labs. In that role, she worked closely with Parker to commit to setting science-based targets for a net-zero carbon future and led a cross-functional leadership team responsible for setting corporate energy strategies.

Siemen said:

“As one of the world’s largest automakers, we aim to set an example of responsible leadership. I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to help lead GM in our plan to reach a zero-emissions future and am excited for all we plan to accomplish in the coming years.”

Parker added:

“The chief sustainability officer plays a vital role in navigating our company on the path toward a future with zero emissions. Thanks to the leadership of so many passionate team members and leaders within GM we have been able to outline a clear roadmap for GM’s net-zero carbon future. I’m incredibly proud of the team here and look forward to cheering Kristen and GM on as I transition into the next phase of my own journey.”