Finance
GM hires new head of strategy from Lucid Motors
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 9, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 9, 2026
Quick Summary
GM has appointed Claudia Gast from Lucid Motors as VP of strategy, focusing on partnerships and corporate development, reflecting the trend of hiring from EV startups.
GM hires new head of strategy from Lucid Motors
General Motors' New Leadership in Strategy
By Kalea Hall
Claudia Gast's Background
DETROIT, Feb 9 (Reuters) - General Motors has hired an executive from electric-vehicle startup Lucid Motors to lead corporate strategy, a role that will include scouting for partnerships with technology companies.
Impact on GM's Corporate Strategy
GM said on Monday that Claudia Gast will be the automaker's deputy chief financial officer and vice president of strategy, corporate development and technology partnerships. Gast will start March 1 and report to GM CEO Mary Barra for strategy and CFO Paul Jacobson for corporate development and technology partnerships.
Transition from Zach Kirkman
Many automakers are hiring executives from EV startups and technology companies as they navigate major technological changes to their businesses, including electrification, automated driving and software-centric vehicles.
In an expanded role, Gast will be taking over for Zach Kirkman, a former Tesla executive who joined GM in 2023. Kirkman is departing the company for other opportunities, a company spokesperson said.
Gast was most recently the senior vice president of strategy and business development at Lucid. She was also previously head of strategy at defense contractor AM General.
(Reporting by Kalea Hall)
Key Takeaways
- •GM hires Claudia Gast from Lucid Motors as VP of strategy.
- •Gast will focus on technology partnerships and corporate development.
- •Automakers are increasingly hiring from EV startups.
- •Gast replaces former Tesla executive Zach Kirkman.
- •The move reflects GM's focus on electrification and tech integration.
Frequently Asked Questions about GM hires new head of strategy from Lucid Motors
1What is corporate strategy?
Corporate strategy refers to the overall plan and direction that a company takes to achieve its long-term goals, including decisions about resource allocation, business development, and partnerships.
2What is an executive change?
An executive change involves the appointment or departure of high-level management personnel within a company, which can impact the organization's direction and operations.
3What is the role of a deputy chief financial officer?
The deputy chief financial officer assists the CFO in managing the financial operations of a company, overseeing financial planning, reporting, and strategy implementation.
4What is the significance of executive hiring in the automotive industry?
Executive hiring in the automotive industry is crucial as it brings in expertise needed to navigate technological advancements such as electrification and automated driving, ensuring companies remain competitive.
