General Motors (GM) has made a significant move in bolstering its autonomous vehicle division by appointing Steve Kenner as the safety director. Kenner, a former executive at Apple and Uber, brings decades of automotive industry experience to his new role, with a focus on enhancing safety measures in autonomous driving technology.

Kenner oversaw safety and regulatory activities for Apple’s secretive “Titan” car project

Kenner’s tenure at Apple, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing safety and regulatory activities for the secretive “Titan” car project, underscores his expertise in navigating the complexities of developing cutting-edge automotive technologies. Before his time at Apple, Kenner held prominent positions at major American automakers, including Ford and Chrysler, accumulating nearly 40 years of invaluable experience in the field.

Having begun his automotive career at General Motors in 1978, Kenner’s extensive engineering background and leadership roles at Chrysler and Ford further solidify his credentials as a seasoned industry veteran. His diverse skill set encompasses not only technical expertise but also strategic management, honed through various managerial positions throughout his career trajectory.

Kenner’s stint at Apple saw him advocating for updated policies to facilitate the testing of self-driving cars on public roads, highlighting his proactive approach to regulatory engagement and industry collaboration. His subsequent role at Uber’s Advanced Technologies Group further enriched his understanding of the evolving landscape of autonomous vehicle development and deployment.

In his new capacity at GM Cruise, Kenner is poised to leverage his wealth of experience to advance safety initiatives and regulatory compliance within the autonomous driving realm. His statement regarding the importance of partnership with regulators underscores GM’s commitment to prioritizing passenger safety and fostering trust within the broader ecosystem.

Related:

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR