DHAKA: US car giant General Motors (GM) has named product development chief Mary Barra to the post of chief executive.

She will replace Daniel Akerson, and be the first woman to run a US carmaker.

Ms Barra joined GM as an electrical engineering student in 1980 and has worked her way up to lead GM`s global product development.

The product development job is considered a critical role at a carmaker and Ms Barra received praise for her leadership of GM`s unit.

Under her leadership, GM rolled out new pick-up trucks and the Chevrolet Impala, which was highly rated by Consumer Reports magazine.

BDST: 0215 HRS, DEC 11, 2013