Mary Barra and David Cordani are two well-known American business leaders who built long careers in very different industries. Barra leads General Motors, while Cordani spent nearly 17 years as CEO of The Cigna Group before becoming Executive Chair in 2026. Their careers reflect patience, broad experience, and leadership during major industry changes.
Profile Bio
| Detail | Mary Barra | David Cordani |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary T. Barra | David M. Cordani |
| Date of Birth | December 24, 1961 | February 10, 1966 |
| Age in 2026 | 64 years | 60 years |
| Nationality | American | American |
| Profession | Business Executive | Business Executive |
| Current Role | Chair & CEO of General Motors | Executive Chair of The Cigna Group |
| Spouse | Tony Barra | Sherry Cordani |
| Children | Two | Two |
| Education | Kettering University, Stanford MBA | Texas A&M University, University of Hartford MBA |
| Height | Not publicly confirmed | Not publicly confirmed |
| Net Worth | Not officially confirmed | Not officially confirmed |
| 2025 Compensation | Approx. $29.9 million | Approx. $22.87 million |
| Known For | Leading General Motors | Longtime leadership at Cigna |
Who Are Mary Barra and David Cordani?
Mary Barra is the Chair and CEO of General Motors, a position she has held at the executive level since becoming CEO in 2014. She is widely recognised for her background in engineering, manufacturing, product development, and corporate leadership.
David Cordani is a healthcare executive who served as CEO of The Cigna Group from 2009 until July 1, 2026. He now serves as Executive Chair, while Brian Evanko has taken over as CEO.
Mary Barra Age
Mary Barra was born on December 24, 1961, making her 64 years old in 2026. She grew up in Michigan and developed an early connection with the automotive industry.
Her father worked for General Motors for decades, which gave Barra early exposure to manufacturing and the culture surrounding the car business.
David Cordani Age
David Cordani was born on February 10, 1966, making him 60 years old in 2026.
He grew up in a close family environment in Connecticut and later spent part of his teenage years in Texas. His upbringing placed strong importance on hard work, respect, and giving back to the community.
Mary Barra Family
Mary Barra was born to Ray and Eva Makela. Her father worked as a die maker at General Motors for many years, while her mother encouraged education and independence.
Barra also has a brother. She has spoken publicly about how education played an important role in her family and helped shape her future career.
Mary Barra Husband and Children
Mary Barra is married to Anthony “Tony” Barra, whom she met during her university years.
The couple have two children, a son and a daughter. Barra has generally kept her family life private and rarely shares detailed personal information publicly.
Despite holding one of the most demanding corporate jobs in America, she has often spoken about the importance of family and balance.
David Cordani Family
David Cordani grew up with two brothers in a multigenerational household.
His older brother, John Cordani, attended Texas A&M before him and influenced David’s decision to study there.
Cordani has described his family as hardworking and close-knit, with values that later influenced his approach to business, leadership, and charity.
David Cordani Wife and Children
David Cordani is married to Sherry Cordani. Together, they are associated with the David and Sherry Cordani Family Foundation, which supports charitable and community causes.
The couple are also reported to have two children. They keep most aspects of their family life away from public attention.
Mary Barra Education
Barra attended the General Motors Institute, now called Kettering University, where she earned a degree in electrical engineering.
She later completed an MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Her technical education and business training gave her a strong foundation for working across engineering, manufacturing, human resources, and senior management.
David Cordani Education
Cordani earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University and later completed an MBA at the University of Hartford.
His education gave him a strong background in business and finance, which later supported his long career in healthcare management and corporate strategy.
Mary Barra Career
Mary Barra joined General Motors in 1980 as a co-op student at the Pontiac Motor Division. Her career began with hands-on work rather than an executive position.
Over time, she worked in manufacturing engineering, human resources, product development, purchasing, and supply chain operations.
She became CEO of General Motors in 2014 and Chair of the Board in 2016.
David Cordani Career
David Cordani joined Cigna in 1991 and moved through several senior positions before becoming CEO in 2009.
One of the most important periods of his leadership came when Cigna acquired Express Scripts in 2018, helping expand the company beyond traditional insurance and strengthen its health-services business.
In July 2026, Cordani moved into the role of Executive Chair.
Leadership Style
Mary Barra’s leadership is strongly influenced by her background in engineering, manufacturing, and product development.
She has guided GM through major changes involving electric vehicles, software, connected cars, and autonomous-driving technology.
Cordani’s leadership has focused more on health services, customer relationships, business expansion, and long-term healthcare strategy.
Both leaders gained experience across several business areas before reaching the highest levels.
Mary Barra Net Worth
Mary Barra’s exact net worth is not officially confirmed.
However, her executive compensation is publicly reported. In 2025, she received approximately $29.9 million in total compensation, including salary, stock awards, and performance-related incentives.
Online net-worth estimates should be treated carefully because private assets, investments, and liabilities are not publicly disclosed.
David Cordani Net Worth
David Cordani’s exact net worth is also not publicly verified.
His 2025 total compensation was reported at approximately $22.87 million, including salary, stock awards, options, and incentive compensation.
His move to Executive Chair in 2026 also came with a new compensation structure, including salary and performance-related incentives.
Height and Appearance
The exact heights of Mary Barra and David Cordani are not reliably confirmed by official company biographies or other primary sources.
Both generally maintain a polished and professional appearance at corporate events, interviews, and conferences.
Rather than repeating unsupported measurements from biography websites, it is more accurate to state that their heights are not publicly confirmed.
Mary Barra Lifestyle
Mary Barra’s lifestyle is closely connected with cars, engineering, work, and family.
She has a well-known interest in automobiles and has spoken about enjoying performance vehicles and classic cars.
Her daily life is strongly shaped by the responsibilities of running a global automotive company, including meetings, manufacturing decisions, technology strategy, and international business operations.
David Cordani Lifestyle
David Cordani is known for his interest in fitness and endurance sports.
He has also been involved in philanthropy, community programmes, and initiatives supporting veterans.
His public image is centred more on health, discipline, leadership, and charity than on luxury or celebrity-style living.
Social Media
Mary Barra maintains a strong professional presence on LinkedIn, where she shares updates about General Motors, technology, manufacturing, leadership, and workplace development.
David Cordani also has a professional online presence, mainly through LinkedIn, corporate interviews, and Cigna-related communications.
Both executives use social platforms mainly for professional rather than personal content.
Are They Related?
There is no reliable evidence that Mary Barra and David Cordani are related.
Mary Barra is married to Tony Barra, while David Cordani is married to Sherry Cordani.
They are not siblings, spouses, or known relatives. Their names are mainly connected because both have led major American companies.
What They Have in Common
Both Barra and Cordani built their careers over several decades rather than reaching senior leadership quickly.
They also gained experience across multiple business areas before becoming top executives.
Their careers share three clear themes: long-term professional growth, broad business experience, and leadership during major industry changes.
Interesting Facts
Mary Barra joined General Motors at only 18 years old and later became the first woman to lead a major American automaker.
David Cordani spent nearly 17 years as CEO of Cigna before becoming Executive Chair.
Barra’s background is rooted in engineering, while Cordani’s career began with business and finance.
Both have also maintained long relationships with the companies that shaped their careers.
Final Thoughts
Mary Barra and David Cordani followed different professional paths, but both built their careers through experience, adaptability, and long-term commitment.
Barra continues to lead General Motors as Chair and CEO, while Cordani now serves as Executive Chair of The Cigna Group.
Their stories show how different backgrounds in engineering, finance, automotive manufacturing, and healthcare can all lead to senior corporate leadership.
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FAQs
How old is Mary Barra in 2026?
Mary Barra was born on December 24, 1961, making her 64 years old in 2026. She has spent more than four decades building her career at General Motors.
How old is David Cordani in 2026?
David Cordani was born on February 10, 1966, so he is 60 years old in 2026. He served as Cigna’s CEO for nearly 17 years before becoming Executive Chair.
Are Mary Barra and David Cordani related?
No. There is no verified family relationship between Mary Barra and David Cordani. Barra is married to Tony Barra, while Cordani is married to Sherry Cordani.
What is Mary Barra’s net worth?
Mary Barra’s exact net worth is not officially disclosed. However, her 2025 total compensation was about $29.9 million, including salary, stock awards, and incentives.
What is David Cordani’s net worth?
David Cordani’s exact net worth is also not publicly confirmed. His 2025 total compensation was about $22.87 million, although compensation should not be confused with personal net worth.
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