From Chrysler to Slate: A Leader’s Journey
Christine “Chris” Barman represents a rare breed of automotive executive who combines deep engineering expertise with visionary leadership. As Slate’s CEO, she’s steering the company toward an ambitious goal: creating vehicles that are not only affordable and customizable but genuinely beloved by their owners. Her approach to leadership—leading by example and fostering collaboration across complex organizations—has become her trademark in an industry known for siloed operations.
Barman’s philosophy centers on building strong teams that can achieve what she calls “engineering elegance”—solutions that are both technically sophisticated and genuinely useful to consumers. This mindset has been shaped by her remarkable career trajectory, which includes more than two decades at Chrysler, where she progressed through multiple leadership roles including Vehicle Line Executive and Vice President roles overseeing Electrical & Electronics and System and Component Engineering.
Building Bridges Between Engineering and Business
What sets Barman apart is her ability to translate engineering excellence into market success. Her educational background—a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Oakland University, and an MBA from University of Michigan—has given her the unique ability to speak both the language of the workshop and the boardroom. This dual expertise has proven invaluable as she navigates the complex market trends affecting the automotive sector.
During her Chrysler tenure, Barman mentored teams that achieved numerous industry firsts, particularly in the development of autonomous driving and driver assistance systems. These experiences positioned her perfectly for her subsequent roles, including Chief Technology Officer of the Industrial Sector at Eaton Corporation and Global Vice President of Strategic Business Development and Solutions in transportation for HCL Technologies.
The Slate Vision: Personalization Meets Affordability
Under Barman’s leadership, Slate is challenging conventional wisdom about what’s possible in vehicle manufacturing. The company’s focus on creating cars that people can personalize extensively while remaining affordable represents a significant departure from industry norms. This approach comes at a time when related innovations in manufacturing and artificial intelligence are creating new possibilities for customization.
Barman’s strategy involves rethinking traditional automotive development processes, incorporating lessons from her diverse career experiences. She emphasizes that true innovation requires breaking down barriers between departments and encouraging cross-functional collaboration—a lesson that extends beyond automotive to broader industry developments in technology and manufacturing.
Mentorship as a Driving Force
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Barman maintains a strong commitment to mentoring, particularly supporting women entering engineering fields. Her involvement with the Phi Sigma Rho sorority and Purdue University Women in Engineering Programs reflects her dedication to creating pathways for the next generation of female engineers. This commitment to mentorship parallels growing attention to accountability in other sectors, as seen in how a banking giant held accountable for global atrocity has prompted broader discussions about corporate responsibility.
Barman often speaks about how mentoring isn’t just about giving back—it’s about ensuring the industry benefits from diverse perspectives and talent. Her advocacy comes at a crucial time when technological advancements, including those in security and privacy, are facing increased scrutiny, much like the implications of a landmark court ruling cripples NSO spyware operations that has reshaped conversations about technology ethics.
Navigating Industry Transformation
The automotive industry stands at a crossroads, with electrification, autonomy, and new ownership models disrupting century-old business practices. Barman’s extensive experience positions Slate to navigate these changes strategically. Her understanding of both the technical and business dimensions of transformation is particularly valuable as companies grapple with legal and regulatory challenges similar to those highlighted when a US court permanently bars NSO Group from WhatsApp established important precedents for technology governance.
As Barman brings decades of automotive experience to her role at Slate, she represents a new model of automotive leadership—one that balances technical depth, business acumen, and social responsibility. Her career demonstrates that the most impactful innovations often emerge at the intersection of diverse experiences and perspectives.
The Human Element in Technological Advancement
Despite her impressive technical credentials, Barman maintains that technology should serve human needs rather than dictate them. This human-centered approach informs everything from Slate’s vehicle personalization options to her leadership style. She often emphasizes that the most sophisticated engineering means little if it doesn’t genuinely improve people’s lives.
This philosophy extends to her life outside work, where she enjoys basketball, running, and home-improvement projects—activities that keep her grounded and connected to the practical realities that often inspire the best innovations. For Barman, engineering excellence and human connection aren’t competing priorities but complementary forces that drive meaningful progress in an industry undergoing rapid transformation.
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Note: Featured image is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent any specific product, service, or entity mentioned in this article.
