Mary Barra, chair and CEO of General Motors (GM), has been named the newest member of Disney’s Board of Directors.

Elected GM chair in January 2016 and serving as GM’s CEO since January 2014, under Barra’s leadership, the company has strengthened its core businesses of car and truck manufacturing, while also working on new and advanced technologies such as electrification and autonomous vehicles.

“Beyond being an incredibly respected leader of a major US company, Mary is recognised as an agent of change with a relentless focus on quality, safety and, most importantly, consumers,” Disney chair and CEO, Bob Iger.

“Her ability to adapt to a changing technological and consumer-focused landscape makes her uniquely suited for the Disney Board.”

Prior to becoming CEO, Barra served at GM as executive vice president of global product development and purchasing and supply chain. In these roles, Barra was responsible for design, engineering and the quality of GM vehicle launches worldwide.

“Under Bob’s visionary leadership, the Disney team has continued to set the benchmark for innovation, branding and the highest levels of customer service,” said Barra.

“GM has worked together with Disney on a number of projects over the years, and I look forward to helping contribute to the company’s ongoing success as the world’s premier entertainment and media enterprise.”