JOHN R. FERRIS
Troy
Summary
Executive leader in strategy and portfolio management, specializing in driving enterprise transformation and electrification strategy. Proven success in executing cross-functional initiatives and aligning programs with corporate goals to enhance operational efficiency and market competitiveness.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager, Cross-Vehicle Program Management
General Motors
Warren
01.2017 - Current
- Directed corporate initiatives on emissions, safety, technology, complexity, and architecture strategies, developing executive reviews, governance processes, planning tools, and insights for portfolio management across GM.
- Led cross-program planning, lifecycle management, change management, and strategic studies for vehicle and propulsion portfolios to align initiatives with corporate goals.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategic program initiatives.
- Coordinated project timelines and resources to ensure effective execution of programs.
- Managed stakeholder communications to align project goals with business objectives.
Program Manager, Electrified Vehicles
General Motors
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Led execution for Chevrolet Volt and Bolt EV programs, integrating customer insights and competitive intelligence to inform lifecycle planning and strategic product decisions.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement program strategies.
- Managed project timelines and resources to ensure successful execution.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to align project goals and expectations.
Product Planning Manager, Energy & Environmental Policy
General Motors
01.2006 - 01.2012
- Led product strategy development for new vehicle launches at a leading automotive manufacturer.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to align product features with market trends and customer needs.
- Developed strategic intent and lifecycle plans for GM electric and fuel-cell vehicle programs.
- Analyzed competitor products to identify gaps and opportunities in the automotive market.
Advanced Vehicle Planning Manager
General Motors
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Developed portfolio strategies and market opportunity assessments to identify and prioritize future vehicle programs.
- Analyzed market trends to inform long-term planning initiatives.
- Developed strategic plans for production scheduling and resource allocation.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to align project timelines and objectives.
Business Strategy Manager, Corporate Strategy
General Motors
01.1999 - 01.2002
- Led cross-functional strategy projects and digital commerce initiatives, developed business intelligence tools, and assessed growth opportunities for GM leadership.
- Developed strategic plans to enhance market competitiveness and product innovation.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive alignment on business objectives.
- Analyzed industry trends to inform decision-making and strategy development.
Education
MBA - Corporate Strategy & Finance
University of Chicago Booth School of Business
BA - Economics & Computational Mathematics
Albion College
Skills
- Portfolio and product strategy
- Program strategy development
- Electrification strategy
- Enterprise transformation
- Data-driven decision making
- Change management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Financial and business acumen
- Executive communication
Personal Information
Title: Director, Corporate Strategy Candidate
Executive Positioning
Rare blend of Corporate Strategy, Product Planning, Finance, and Program Management experience with a track record of aligning senior leaders, converting strategy into approved action, and executing across global organizations.
Selected Qualifications
- Former Business Strategy Manager within GM Corporate Strategy
- Led enterprise initiatives spanning emissions, safety, technology deployment, complexity reduction, and lifecycle optimization
- Extensive experience partnering with executive leadership to frame and solve complex business problems
- Deep understanding of GM culture, processes, governance, and enterprise value creation
Timeline
Program Manager, Cross-Vehicle Program Management
General Motors
01.2017 - Current
Program Manager, Electrified Vehicles
General Motors
01.2012 - 01.2017
Product Planning Manager, Energy & Environmental Policy
General Motors
01.2006 - 01.2012
Advanced Vehicle Planning Manager
General Motors
01.2002 - 01.2006
Business Strategy Manager, Corporate Strategy
General Motors
01.1999 - 01.2002
MBA - Corporate Strategy & Finance
University of Chicago Booth School of Business
BA - Economics & Computational Mathematics
Albion College