Sterling Anderson has become one of the most talked-about executives in the automotive industry. Known for his pioneering work at Tesla and as co-founder of Aurora Innovation, Anderson is now making headlines as a key leader at General Motors (GM). His rapid rise within GM has sparked speculation that he could one day succeed Mary Barra as CEO, positioning him at the center of the company’s ambitious push into electric vehicles, autonomous technology, and software-defined cars.
Early Career and Tesla Years
Sterling Anderson’s career trajectory reflects a blend of engineering brilliance and entrepreneurial vision. At Tesla, he played a pivotal role in two landmark projects:
- Tesla Model X: Anderson led the design, development, and launch of the Model X, Tesla’s luxury electric SUV.
- Tesla Autopilot: He later directed the Autopilot program during its formative years (2015–2016), helping establish Tesla’s reputation as a leader in semi-autonomous driving technology.
These experiences cemented his reputation as a forward-thinking executive capable of blending hardware, software, and user experience into groundbreaking products.
Aurora Innovation: Betting on Autonomy
In 2017, Anderson co-founded Aurora Innovation, a startup focused on autonomous driving. As Chief Product Officer, he oversaw the launch of Aurora’s driverless trucking service, one of the first commercial deployments of fully autonomous freight vehicles.
Aurora quickly became a major player in the self-driving space, partnering with companies like Toyota, Volvo, and Uber. Anderson’s leadership demonstrated his ability to scale cutting-edge technology into real-world applications, further solidifying his credentials in autonomy and AI.
Joining General Motors
In June 2025, GM hired Anderson as Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer, a newly created role that gives him oversight of the entire product lifecycle—from gasoline cars to EVs, software, and AI integration.
His responsibilities include:
- Overseeing vehicle development across GM’s global portfolio.
- Driving software and AI integration into GM’s next-generation vehicles.
- Leading the transition toward software-defined cars, a critical area for GM’s future competitiveness.
This appointment was seen as a bold move by GM, bringing in a Silicon Valley-style innovator to reshape a legacy automaker’s product strategy.
Speculation About GM’s Next CEO
Reports suggest that GM CEO Mary Barra is testing Anderson’s leadership by giving him a massive portfolio that serves as a “trial by fire.” If successful, Anderson could be positioned as her eventual successor.
- Industry Analysts: Many view Anderson as a frontrunner for the CEO role, thanks to his unique blend of tech expertise and automotive experience.
- GM’s Challenges: His success will depend on fixing GM’s software issues, improving EV profitability, and advancing autonomy.
- Succession Planning: While GM insists no succession plan is in place, Anderson’s rapid rise has fueled speculation across the industry.
Why Anderson Matters
Sterling Anderson represents a new breed of automotive executive—one who bridges the gap between traditional manufacturing and cutting-edge technology. His career highlights several key themes:
- Innovation: From Tesla’s Autopilot to Aurora’s driverless trucks, Anderson has consistently pushed boundaries.
- Leadership: His ability to lead cross-functional teams in high-pressure environments is evident across his career.
- Vision: Anderson’s focus on autonomy, AI, and electrification aligns perfectly with the future of mobility.
Conclusion: A Leader to Watch
Sterling Anderson’s journey from Tesla to Aurora and now GM underscores his role as one of the most influential figures shaping the future of transportation. Whether or not he becomes GM’s next CEO, his impact on the company’s product strategy and technological direction will be profound.
As the automotive industry undergoes its most significant transformation in a century, leaders like Anderson—who combine engineering expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and strategic vision—will define the next era of mobility.