Good company with struggling work culture - Manager Ally Financial Employee Review

2.0
Aug 2, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I have been with Ally since evolved from GMAC. Our CEO JB has undoubtedly grown Ally exponentially in his 7 years as CEO and has a great vision for growing the company. Under his tenure we successfully pulled ourselves out of some bad press with our previous lending practices and the black cloud of our previous bailout and government owned control. The pay is starting to get better but the CEO still makes 388 times more than the average worker.

Cons

We are always talking about innovating, which we do for our products and customers. Sadly we miss the mark on innovating for employees. Somehow, we have never been able to shake the deeply ingrained culture of control and subordination that started with GMAC. Even with all of the growth for inclusiveness, equity, employee owner mindset, and employee growth opportunities, we somehow can't get a grasp on a truly honest, positive, growth culture for all employees. Something is always missing from C level and executive leaders. They are failing at understanding and relating to evolving employee needs. Entry level - mid management are doing their best in employee relations but can't get anywhere due to the lack of respect from those above them. Unfortunately, HR is horrendous and not supportive or caring toward employees at all. There is no open door policy here where feedback is valued and implemented. HR very clearly is only here to support the direction of the board and CEO. The command and control mindset is killing our culture. We have no freedom to make decisions or question the status quo. We are expected to operate without thinking to follow strict orders. That is no way to create an employee owned mindset or foster innovation. Elitism, hypocrisy, and emotional deception from the executive suite is the new norm here. Subordinates are not allowed to be forthcoming and this creates an environment were we can't grow and we don't feel valued and supported by our most senior directors. We are scared for our job security and know that our leaders are only here to support themselves and not their teams. They only care about their bottom line and their success and they will terminate you the second you have your own opinion. Employees that don't mindlessly follow the extreme authority are pushed out. There is no sincerity in employee support and it is just a way to pretend they care to get us to do exactly as they please. Leaders are motivated by power and status and control through fear. We are not going to keep our top performers and highly motivated and competent employees if we can't relate to them and empower them.

Explore other reviews about Ally Financial

5.0
Jul 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great culture, good compensation and benefits. Excellent management team, very supportive and interactive with the team.

Cons

Onboarding was a challenge due to IT’s lack of clear direction. The loan origination system crashes a lot.

2.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Hybrid schedule is reasonable, with only three days a week required in office. Benefits are decent and we have a fairly new office building is a nice.

Cons

Don’t be fooled by Glassdoor’s rating. It likely reflects the old Ally, not the company it is today. Ally used to be a great place to work, with strong culture, meaningful work, and real innovation. They used to pride themselves on culture, and now it’s the worst I’ve seen it. There have been significant leadership changes, with many of the leaders who made Ally great shown the door. Round after round of layoffs has everyone whispering about who’s next, and the people who remain here are stuck cycling through failed re-orgs meant to “fix” the department. It’s gotten bad enough that I know people actively hoping to get cut just to walk away with severance. If it doesn’t get better soon, I might be hoping to be let go myself. I can’t recommend it the way I once would have.

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