General Motors’ Cruise, a leading autonomous vehicle company, made a significant announcement on Monday, revealing the appointment of Steve Kenner as its new Chief Safety Officer for the robotaxi unit. Kenner, a seasoned veteran with extensive experience in both the automotive and technology industries, will be tasked with overseeing Cruise’s safety management systems and operations, marking a pivotal moment for the company as it navigates critical safety challenges.
With a career spanning over four decades, Kenner brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. He began his career at GM in 1978 and has held various leadership positions throughout his tenure, including serving as the global director of automotive safety at Ford. Kenner’s diverse background also includes stints at prominent tech companies such as Apple and Uber, as well as self-driving trucking company Kodiak, where he served as Vice President of Safety. His appointment underscores Cruise’s commitment to prioritizing safety as it strives to advance autonomous vehicle technology.
Kenner’s arrival comes at a crucial juncture for Cruise, following a series of safety-related incidents that have cast a shadow over the company’s operations. In October, a pedestrian in San Francisco was tragically struck by another vehicle and thrown into the path of a self-driving Cruise vehicle, resulting in significant scrutiny and regulatory action. In response, California suspended Cruise’s driverless testing license, prompting the company to halt all U.S. self-driving vehicle testing. Additionally, Cruise’s CEO and co-founder resigned in November, underscoring the challenges facing the company.
Acknowledging the importance of safety governance, Cruise Co-President Mo Elshenawy emphasized the critical role that Kenner will play in ensuring the safe deployment of Cruise vehicles. Kenner’s appointment signals Cruise’s commitment to addressing safety concerns head-on and restoring public trust in the autonomous vehicle industry.
In light of recent incidents, Cruise commissioned a comprehensive report from law firm Quinn Emanuel, which concluded that the company did not intend to mislead stakeholders. Furthermore, a technical review conducted by engineering firm Exponent identified mapping errors and software deficiencies that contributed to the October pedestrian collision. Cruise has since implemented software updates to address these issues and enhance the safety of its vehicles.
Despite these efforts, Cruise faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny, including investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into pedestrian safety risks. The company has also been engaged in discussions with California regulators to resolve concerns related to its handling of the October pedestrian crash.
In a statement, Kenner expressed his commitment to working collaboratively with regulators to improve road safety and foster public confidence in the autonomous vehicle industry. As Cruise continues its mission to revolutionize transportation through autonomous technology, Kenner’s leadership will be instrumental in driving safety initiatives and ensuring the responsible deployment of self-driving vehicles on public roads. With safety at the forefront of its priorities, Cruise remains steadfast in its commitment to building a safer, more sustainable future for mobility.