GM’s Greg Martin Inspired by Company’s Passion to Leave the World a Better Place

With nearly two decades at General Motors, much of it as the company’s corporate spokesperson, Greg Martin has worked with many different people across business functions to explain the company’s actions and priorities.

From the start, Greg career in communications has been with large, complex organizations as he was a civilian aide in the Pentagon’s press office during the first Gulf War.  Since then, he has held a variety of roles both inside and outside GM, from the early years of the company’s Saturn division and in its Washington, DC public policy office, to chief communications roles at the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

These experiences have taught Greg how to navigate a complex organization and to figure out “why and how things get done” and how to leverage an organization’s size and scale to make an impact.  It’s an experience and approach that will serve him well in his new role as executive director of sustainability.

“Now, I get to apply a skillset to help the company do long lasting good around the world,” said Greg. “I’m grateful to work for GM who really understands the responsibility that comes with being a global manufacturer.   We not only make a significant economic contribution, we also can make a difference in the quality of life wherever we do business.”

Greg is just one part of an overall leadership team that is tasked with building a company that will continue to operate for generations to come – in other words, operate sustainably. He works with our sustainability teams to better serve the communities where we operate. Part of that responsibility is to ensure that the company builds exceptional vehicles in a manner that protects natural resources and keeps the air and water clean.

“The work of our sustainability team has a profound impact on our business and local communities,” said Greg. “Unlike the world of media relations, the decisions we make in sustainability have implications that are far more long-lasting than a 24-hour news cycle.”

Greg was raised near Gettysburg, PA, in a family that spent a lot of time outdoors.  He wants to share his passion and drive to protect the environment not only with his children, but to put it to practical use with other GM employees and leaders who want future generations to enjoy a healthy, vibrant planet.

“From CEO Mary Barra to the very top leadership throughout the ranks there is a deep commitment to do business in a way we’re proud of,” said Greg. “We’re using renewable energy at our plants, becoming stewards of wildlife habitats at our facilities, and working to improve water quality in communities. The GM Foundation’s Plant City Grants program donates millions of dollars to local programs and causes, putting a face and heart to the company in local communities. It’s an approach we’re taking around the world.”

Greg is also excited about the future of transportation and how GM is using technology to improve safety, increase fuel efficiency, mitigate congestion and address the needs of various market demands.

“It’s fascinating to anticipate future transportation needs and to start building plans now to address them,” said Greg. “We want to continue to innovate and create technologies and transportation solutions that excite our customers.”

His favorite part of the job? Working with passionate and dedicated people.

“There’s a consistent quality among my colleagues throughout the company and those who work in sustainability.  It’s a passion to leave the world a better place than when they found it. That lifts my spirits.”