MEET
Eric J. Cunningham
Visionary Leader in Automotive Sales, Marketing, and Customer Care
Eric J. Cunningham, a distinguished leader in the automotive industry, served as the Vice President of North American Sales and Marketing for General Motors’ Customer Care division. Based in Grand Blanc, Michigan, Eric assumed this influential role in August 2015, where he drove monumental growth across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Eric’s career with GM began in 1984 as a co-op student with Buick Motor Division in Flint, Michigan. Rising through the ranks over the years, Eric held critical positions spanning GM’s corporate headquarters, brand management, advertising, sales, service, and marketing. His assignments encompassed a broad scope of responsibilities, allowing him to shape strategies and initiatives that consistently propelled GM’s market share and customer satisfaction.
In 2004, Eric’s expertise and strategic vision earned him the title of Marketing Director for GM Accessories at General Motors Service and Parts Operation. In this pivotal role, he designed and executed innovative marketing strategies, driving record-setting sales and customer engagement for GM’s extensive accessory portfolio. Eric’s visionary leadership and marketing acumen were showcased that same year when he orchestrated one of the most iconic moments in television history. Partnering with Oprah Winfrey, Eric spearheaded a groundbreaking campaign that saw every member of her studio audience receive a brand-new vehicle—an astounding total of 276 cars. This legendary episode remains one of the most memorable in The Oprah Winfrey Show’s history and stands as a testament to Eric’s unparalleled ability to blend innovative marketing strategies with cultural impact.
Elevated to Regional Director for Buick GMC in 2009, Eric took charge of GM’s South Central Region, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. There, he led sales and aftersales growth across 14 states for two of the industry’s fastest-growing brands, achieving unprecedented revenue and market expansion. By 2013, Eric was selected to oversee Chevrolet’s largest U.S. market region as Regional Director based in Chicago, Illinois, where he orchestrated sweeping initiatives that cemented Chevrolet’s dominance in the competitive automotive landscape.
Eric was entrusted with sales and revenue responsibilities exceeding $7 billion. He led GM’s customer care and aftersales sales and marketing teams with a visionary approach, driving profitability and operational excellence across North America.
In his final role Eric finished his career as the North American Vice President for the Cadillac Division of General Motors. Eric oversaw North American sales and service operations for Cadillac, successfully positioning the brand as the fastest-growing luxury automaker in 2022. His leadership included launching new products and enhancing the customer experience across the region. Eric J. Cunningham’s legacy in the automotive industry is marked by innovation, transformative leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Beyond his corporate success, Eric’s passion for giving back is equally remarkable. He coached a winning NFL-sponsored youth flag football team, where he not only helped guide young athletes to victory but also fostered essential life skills like teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. Eric has long believed in the power of mentorship, which is why he was so deeply committed to his work with Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping to empower young individuals by providing guidance, support, and positive role models.
Eric is also an active board member of Fr1ends of the Ch1ldren Detroit, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by mentoring at-risk youth in the city. His role allows him to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people, ensuring they have the resources and support to thrive. In addition to these roles, Eric has demonstrated consistent leadership within Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he has served in multiple capacities, including Keeper of Records and Seal and Committee Chair. Through his work with the fraternity, Eric has been able to use his platform to promote service to the community, advocate for youth development, and continue uplifting others through education and empowerment.
Consulting Services
Build a strong personal brand and professional network. I’ll show you effective strategies to connect with key contacts, enhancing your visibility and opening doors to new career opportunities.
Enhance your delivery, articulation, confidence, and stage presence to communicate with impact. Learn techniques for engaging your audience and presenting your ideas with clarity and professionalism.
Master the art of responding to challenging interview questions with confidence and precision, ensuring you make a strong impression and stand out in every interview.
Whether you’re a college student preparing for your very first internship, a recent graduate entering the workforce, or someone looking to build confidence and refine your skills, this service is designed with you in mind. No matter your experience level, you already have what it takes to succeed—we’re here to help you unlock your potential and shine in any setting.
From the Corporate Boardroom
Empowering Future Leaders
Eric J. Cunningham is a dynamic and accomplished public speaker, known for his engaging and insightful presentations that resonate with audiences across the automotive and business sectors. With a natural charisma and a command of the room, Eric has spoken to and presented in front of high-level executives, senior management teams, industry leaders, and regional stakeholders throughout his distinguished career. His expertise and influence have made him a trusted voice at corporate gatherings, regional strategy meetings, and industry conferences, where he consistently delivers impactful presentations that inspire and inform.
Throughout his tenure at General Motors, Eric’s roles in executive leadership and sales and marketing demanded presentations to audiences that included C-level executives, divisional vice presidents, regional directors, and dealer networks across North America. His presentations, often addressing multi-billion-dollar sales and marketing strategies, were crafted to engage decision-makers at the highest levels, presenting data-driven insights and actionable strategies with clarity and authority. Known for his ability to break down complex concepts and convey them in a compelling manner, Eric’s speaking style combines strategic insight, motivational leadership, and a results-oriented focus that captures attention and drives home key messages. His public speaking prowess is a vital asset in any high-stakes environment.
Professional Reach
Eric’s work has impacted a vast network of clients, including:
- 5,200 retail dealer owners and operators
- 2 retail advertising agencies
- 4 national advertising agencies
- 2 diversity marketing advertising agencies
- Over 1,100 employees whom he considers valued clients
- 400 wholesale parts sales owner-operators
- Over 1,000 independent repair facilities
- 42 accessory sales operations
Awards & Recognition
Recognizing Eric’s excellence and impact across the industry:
- Graduate, Stanford University Transformational Leadership Program
- Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Award, 2014
- Black Engineer of the Year Marketing Executive, 2020
- Savoy Magazine Most Influential Black Executives, 2022
- Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence, 2023
Success in any field comes down to how well you prepare, how confidently you present yourself, and how genuinely you connect with others.
Let me show you how.
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