PHIL MURTAUGH
Phil Murtaugh |
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CEO, Coda Holdings
Chosen because: Murtaugh, who left General Motors in 2005 after having his responsibilities in China diluted in a reorganization, is back where he likes to be: in charge. And though Murtaugh, 57, comes from a traditional car background, he has embraced the brave new world of electrification.
When Murtaugh became CEO of electric car maker Coda Holdings in January 2011, he said his job at Coda was the same situation he faced in China in 1996: to launch a new car. The difference, said Murtaugh, was that he didn't have to negotiate a joint venture agreement.
Leading a tiny start-up company selling EVs, batteries and EV drivetrains is a bit different from being a top executive at one of the world's largest automakers. But it is similar to his job establishing GM's China presence in that Murtaugh once again is entering territory where few have gone before.
Quote: "Our markets are cities, not states. For the next several years, I think electric vehicle sales will be focused in cities."
-- Alysha Webb
