Driving Innovation Through People: A Conversation with Brian Gibbons, HR Director for Software and Services Engineering at General Motors
In the dynamic world of automotive transformation, where electrification and autonomy are reshaping the future of mobility, it takes a unique blend of technical expertise, human insight, and cultural leadership to build the workforce of tomorrow. Few embody that intersection as seamlessly as Brian Gibbons, HR Director for Software and Services Engineering at General Motors (GM).
With an impressive resume that includes roles at tech powerhouses like Microsoft, Cisco, and Apple, Gibbons brings a wealth of experience to his role at GM. But beyond the logos and titles is a leader passionate about people, purpose, and possibility. His mission at GM is clear: to help attract and develop the top tech talent that will power the company’s ambitious journey toward an all-electric and increasingly autonomous future.
We caught up with Brian Gibbons to learn more about his journey, what drew him to GM, and how he sees the company evolving its culture to meet the challenges—and opportunities—ahead.
A Global Journey into Tech
Gibbons’ career in technology began with a leap into the deep end—working at Microsoft as part of the mergers and acquisitions integration team in 2006. His work had a global scope, sending him across continents to manage complex transitions and align diverse workforces.
“It was an amazing experience to start off with,” Gibbons recalls. “I got to travel the world and work on some really challenging integration projects. But more importantly, it gave me a foundational understanding of how people, processes, and cultures come together during times of transformation.”
After four formative years at Microsoft, Gibbons followed two of his mentors to Cisco, where he began to sharpen his focus on HR within technical teams—particularly in the emerging telepresence space. It was here that he had a realization that would shape his career decisions moving forward.
“I quickly learned that I need to be passionate about the product,” he explains. “Routers and switches are absolutely essential—but they didn’t excite me. I knew I wanted to work somewhere where I could connect more deeply with the mission and the technology.”
A Decade at Apple—and a New Lens on Innovation
That realization led Gibbons to Apple—but not immediately. In fact, he received offers from both Cisco and Apple on the same day in late 2009. He initially chose Cisco, but a year and a half later, recognizing the need for work that inspired him, he reached back out to Apple. Two weeks later, he was onboard.
At Apple, Gibbons found his stride. He supported mobile device teams and later joined the “special projects” group, a high-impact, secretive unit tasked with exploring entirely new product categories. His role involved more than just staffing—he was helping evaluate whether Apple’s high-performance culture could blend effectively with the talent and dynamics of other industries.
“It was a remarkable experience,” he says. “I got a front-row seat to watch how hardware and software innovation intersected—and how Apple thought about moving into new industries. One of those industries, of course, was automotive. It planted a seed for me.”
He would spend a full decade at Apple, developing a deep appreciation for how to build high-functioning technical teams while maintaining a distinctive culture. That knowledge would prove invaluable when an opportunity emerged at GM—one that felt less like a job and more like a calling.
Joining GM: A Once-in-a-Century Opportunity
“I wanted to be part of automotive history,” Gibbons says. “We’re in the midst of the most significant technical transformation the industry has ever seen—electrification, software-defined vehicles, autonomous driving. To be a part of that evolution at a legacy company like GM? It felt meaningful.”
Now as HR Director for Software and Services Engineering, Gibbons plays a key role in building GM’s growing software talent base, particularly in innovation hubs like Silicon Valley. His approach is grounded in the belief that curiosity, collaboration, and empowerment are essential for thriving in a fast-moving environment.
“We’re hiring people with diverse experiences, different thinking styles, and new perspectives,” he explains. “At a tech company, curiosity isn’t optional—it’s essential. If you’re not asking questions, you’re probably falling behind.”
One of the relationships that has been particularly inspiring to Gibbons is his collaboration with Kurt Kelty, GM’s VP of Battery Tech, who previously spent over a decade at Tesla. “Kurt has this deep technical expertise and a big vision for our battery systems. Partnering with leaders like him is one of the things that pulled me in—it’s energizing to work alongside people who are reshaping the future of transportation.”
Culture and Leadership at GM
Gibbons was intentional about understanding GM’s leadership before joining. He watched countless videos of GM CEO Mary Barra to get a sense of who she was—not just as a leader, but as a person.
“I wanted to know what kind of culture I was stepping into,” he says. “What I saw in Mary was someone authentic, thoughtful, and deeply committed to transformation. And once I got here, that authenticity was confirmed. Our leaders are grounded, accessible, and focused on the mission. There’s no pretense—just a shared goal to get things done.”
One of Gibbons’ favorite parts of the job is working with engineers—particularly those who challenge norms and find creative ways to solve problems.
“I’ve learned that when I say ‘no’ to an engineer, that’s not the end of the conversation—it’s the beginning. They’ll say, ‘Game on,’ and find a new path forward. I love that persistence. It’s contagious.”
Blending Legacy with Innovation
A unique aspect of working at GM is the blend of tenure and fresh perspective. Gibbons describes a workplace where employees who’ve been with the company for decades work side-by-side with recent hires from tech giants, startups, and academia.
“You get this incredible mix,” he says. “The people who’ve been here for 30 or 40 years bring this deep understanding of the automotive world, and new folks bring in the mindset of rapid iteration and innovation. It creates friction—but the good kind. The kind that sparks ideas.”
That dynamic tension is key as GM builds its future—one that Gibbons believes must honor the company’s strong foundation while fearlessly embracing change.
“It really comes down to curiosity,” he says. “Are we going to hold on to the past? Or are we going to build the future? I see our people leaning in. There’s excitement here—about where we’re going and what we’re building.”
The Cadillac LYRIQ: A Personal Connection to the Mission
For Gibbons, driving a Cadillac LYRIQ—the company’s all-electric luxury SUV—is more than a perk. It’s a source of personal pride and a tangible connection to the work he’s doing every day.
“I love everything about the LYRIQ,” he says with a smile. “The acceleration, the design, the ride quality. I pick up my friends and they’re blown away. I’ve had people stop me at traffic lights just to ask about it.”
He recently hosted former Apple colleagues at his home—and couldn’t resist showing off the car. “The first thing I did was take them to the garage and light up the LYRIQ. The way the front end illuminates is stunning. They were speechless. That’s the kind of emotional connection great products create.”
A Call to Engineers: Join the Movement
When asked what message he’d give to engineers considering GM, Gibbons doesn’t hesitate.
“You have an opportunity to be part of something historic. This is a moment in time when the automotive industry is being rewritten in real-time, and GM is leading that transformation.”
He adds, “You won’t just be building technology—you’ll be shaping the future of mobility. And you’ll be doing it alongside curious, passionate people who are ready to challenge assumptions and build what’s next.”
For Brian Gibbons, the journey to GM wasn’t just about career progression—it was about purpose. It was about finding a company where his passion for technology, culture, and innovation could converge.
“I’m proud to be here,” he says. “Every day, we’re writing a new chapter in GM’s story. And for those who want to be a part of that journey, there’s no better time to get involved.”
