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Richard E. Dauch Richard E. Dauch is a 42-year veteran of the automotive industry. He began his career in 1964 when he joined General Motors Corporation following graduation from Purdue University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial management and science. Over the course of his 12 years with GM, he progressed from a college-graduate-in-training to the youngest plant manager in Chevrolet's history. In 1976, he joined Volkswagen of America (VWoA), where he served as group vice president of Manufacturing Operations and planned and created the manufacturing facilities for the first volume-automotive transplant in the United States. Mr. Dauch also served as a member of VWoA's Board of Directors. Lee Iacocca recruited him to Chrysler Corporation in 1980 to resurrect the company's ailing manufacturing operations. As executive vice president of Worldwide Manufacturing, Mr. Dauch was known as the driving force behind Chrysler's manufacturing and quality renaissance with his visionary, no-nonsense, people-oriented, get-it-done management style. He planned and directed the implementation of Chrysler's world-recognized, just-in-time materials management system and three-shift assembly system capability. He also oversaw the planning and construction of the Chrysler Technical Center and Chrysler's newest assembly plants: Jefferson North, in Detroit, Sterling Heights Assembly and the Graz operations in Austria. He was also responsible for the 1983 launch of the new segment vehicle, the Chrysler minivan in Windsor Ontario. In 1994, he co-founded American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) by teaming with two investors to purchase the General Motors axle, forge, and driveshaft driveline assets. Today, AAM is one of the top 40 automotive suppliers in the world. It is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the stock symbol AXL. Mr. Dauch's reputation as an innovative manufacturing strategist and entrepreneur is widely recognized in North America and around the world. In addition to lecturing extensively on the subject of world-class manufacturing, Mr. Dauch has authored a book titled "Passion for Manufacturing," which is distributed in 80 countries in several languages and used extensively as textbook material at colleges and universities. He has been the recipient of numerous honors during his career. He is the 2006 recipient of the Shien-Ming Wu Foundation Manufacturing Leadership Award. In 2005, he received the CEO Legend Award from Automation Alley. In 2002, he was awarded the Wayne State University, College of Business Administration's Michigan Executive of the Year and the Detroit Regional Chamber's World Trader of the Year. Mr. Dauch was also named Detroit News Michiganian of the Year (1999), Crain's Detroit Business Newsmaker of the Year (1997), Michigan Manufacturers Association Manufacturer of the Year (1997), and the Automotive Hall of Fame's Industry Leader of the Year (1996), and he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor (1997). Dauch has also been elected to both the SME College of Fellows and the College of Fellows of the Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD). Dauch is a six-time Automotive News All star. Mr. Dauch is the on the board of directors of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and past chairman of the board of that organization. He also served as chairman of the Manufacturing Institute. He is on the board of directors of Detroit Renaissance, and the Detroit Economic Club. He is past chairman of the board of directors of the Detroit Regional Chamber. He also serves on the boards and committees of many community and academic organizations and is actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America, Detroit Area Council and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, which presented him with its "Man and Boy Award" in 1990. He has been instrumental in creating manufacturing and management curricula at several universities, including Purdue University, Lehigh University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mr. Dauch received an Honorary Doctorate of Management from Purdue University and an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Ashland University. Rick Wagoner Rick Wagoner was elected GM chairman and chief executive officer on May 1, 2003. He had been president and chief executive officer since June 2000. Mr. Wagoner was elected president and chief operating officer in 1998 and had been executive vice president of GM and president of North American Operations since 1994. He served as executive vice president and chief financial officer from 1992 to 1994 and also had responsibility for worldwide purchasing from 1993 to 1994. Mr. Wagoner was president and managing director of General Motors do Brasil (GMB) in 1991 and 1992. Prior to that, he was vice president in charge of finance for General Motors Europe based in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1989 and 1990. Mr. Wagoner received a bachelor's degree in economics from Duke University in 1975 and a master's degree in business administration from Harvard University in 1977. Mr. Wagoner began his GM career as an analyst in the Treasurer's Office in New York in 1977. After several promotions there, in 1981 he became treasurer of GMB in Sao Paulo. In 1984, he became executive director of finance for GMB. He moved to GM of Canada Limited in 1987 as vice president and finance manager. In October 1988, he became group director, strategic business planning, for the former Chevrolet-Pontiac-GM of Canada Group. Mr. Wagoner is a member of the boards of trustees of Duke University and Detroit Country Day School, the Board of Dean's Advisors of the Harvard Business School, and the Board of Directors of Catalyst. He is chairman of the Society of Automotive Engineers A World In Motion Executive Committee and the Detroit Renaissance Executive Committee and a member of The Business Council and The Business Roundtable. Roger Penske Roger S. Penske is the chairman of Penske Corporation, a closely-held diversified transportation services company. Penske Corporation and its subsidiaries manage and operate businesses with annual revenues approximating $17 billion and employ 34,000 people at more than 1,700 worldwide locations. J Mays J Mays is group vice president, Design, and chief creative officer, Ford Motor Company. He is responsible for shaping the design direction of Ford Motor Company's eight global brands - Ford, Lincoln , Mercury, Mazda, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar and Aston Martin. In addition, through the expanded role he assumed Jan. 1, 2005 , Mr. Mays invests even more time working with individual brands to create and support more long-range strategic design visions. Mr. Mays, 50, has led the development of significant concept vehicles including the Ford Fairlane, Shelby GR-1 and '427,' as well as the Jaguar F-Type and Volvo Safety Car Concept. He has also played an instrumental role in redesigning Ford Motor Company's auto show display stand. In addition, he has been instrumental in creating several key new production models including the Aston Martin DB9, Land Rover LR3/Discovery, Ford GT and the all-new Ford Shelby Cobra GT500. Mr. Mays, who was born in Pauls Valley, Okla., launched his automotive design career at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena , Calif. Following graduation in 1980, he joined Audi AG in Ingolstadt , Germany , as an exterior designer. He moved to Munich in 1983 to work for BMW and returned to Audi the following year as a senior designer, where he worked to develop production model proposals for both Volkswagen and Audi. The Audi AVUS concept car, an iconic, polished aluminum celebration of Germany 's legacy of automotive performance and technology, marked the highlight of his return. In 1989, Mr. Mays returned to the U.S. as Volkswagen of America's chief designer in its Simi Valley , Calif. , Design Center , where he was responsible for the design and branding of the Volkswagen Concept 1, known today as the New Beetle. He returned to Germany in 1993 as Audi's design director responsible for worldwide design strategy, development and execution. Mr. Mays shifted gears in 1995, as vice president of Design Development for SHR Perceptual Management, an ideation, branding and design consultancy that worked for numerous automotive companies, including Ford. Mr. Mays joined Ford Motor Company in 1997 as vice president, Design and was named group vice president in 2003. During his tenure with Ford, he has received numerous professional awards and recognition for his designs. Mr. Mays' design philosophy and a cross-section of his vehicles were the subject of an exhibition called "Retrofuturism: The Car Design of J Mays" at the Geffen Contemporary of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles in November 2002. In addition, he received the Harvard Design School annual Excellence in Design Award in February 2002. In September 2002, he received the Don Kubly Professional Attainment Award from the Art Center. In 2004, he was named among Fast Company magazine's inaugural "Masters of Design" standouts. Don Altermatt Don Altermatt was appointed Senior Manager, Diesel Engine Engineering on July 1, 2006. Mr. Altermatt is responsible for directing the design, development and release of all diesel engines and components for the Chrysler Group. Recent accomplishments include leading the all new 6.7L and 3.0L diesel engine programs for Chrysler Group. Mr. Altermatt joined the company in 1994 as a Program Manager responsible for heavy-duty diesel engines and has since launched a number of emissions and engine improvements in cooperation with Cummins. In 1997, Mr. Altermatt was appointed specialist - diesel engine applications and in 2003 he assumed the position of manager - heavy-duty diesel programs until being named to his current position. Mr. Altermatt received bachelor of science degrees in environmental science engineering and mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1976 and a masters degree in mechanical engineering from Wayne State University in 1979. Timothy A. Blett Tim Blett joined Doner in 1985 and currently oversees the Newport Beach Office. The office services a diverse group of clients, including Black & Decker, Mazda, PacSun, The UPS Stores, 1-800-Cable and United Healthcare, along with several pro-bono accounts. During his tenure at Doner, Mr. Blett has focused on building and leading the Doner team to be the best at finding impactful ideas that grow his clients' businesses. Mr. Blett's experience involves managing and directing brand development including new-product introductions, image-repositioning products, working with regional marketing groups (e.g., co-ops), and several years of direct-response assignments. While at Doner, Mr. Blett has won many prestigious awards including "Top 100 Who's Who" in advertising and an "Automotive All Star" award. Outside of work, he contributes to the efforts of many charities, such as serving on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, The Orange County Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), and the Orange County Marathon. Prior to joining Doner, he worked with Beurmann Marshall Corporation (agent for Donnelly Marketing), where he designed and implemented CRM programs for a diverse group of clients including Chevrolet and Pontiac. Mr. Blett was a student athlete at Western Michigan University, where he received a bachelor's degree in business administration. He earned his MBA at the University of Detroit. Tony (Thomas K.) Brown Tony (Thomas K.) Brown is senior vice president, Global Purchasing, Ford Motor Company a position he was appointed to in September 2004. He is responsible for more than $90 billion of production and non-production procurement for all eight Ford brands worldwide. Previously, Mr. Brown was vice president, Global Purchasing, a position he was appointed to in January 2002. Prior to that, Mr. Brown was executive director, Manufacturing Procurement Operations - Ford Global Purchasing. Before his role as executive director, he was director, Ford Purchasing Global Strategic Planning and Process Leadership. Mr. Brown joined Ford in July 1999 from United Technologies Automotive, where he was vice president of Supply Management. Before joining United Technologies Automotive, he was executive director of corporate purchasing and transportation for QMS Inc., a maker and provider of networked enterprise printing solutions. Mr. Brown holds a bachelor's degree in economics and finance from American International College in Springfield, Mass. Christopher J. Connor Christopher J. Connor is President of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics Americas, LLC and CEO of WWL Vehicle Services Americas, Inc, based in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. In these roles Mr. Connor oversees all of Wallenius Wilhelmsen's deep sea Ocean transportation, marine terminal, stevedoring, vehicle processing, and distribution management activities in North, South, and Central America. Previously, Mr. Connor served as the carrier's Chief Operating Officer and Head of Ocean Services, based at Wallenius Wilhelmsen's corporate headquarters in Oslo, Norway, Mr. Connor oversaw the global organization's ocean transportation, terminal management, and stevedoring activities, which includes Europe, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Before re-locating to Oslo, Mr. Connor was the Executive Vice President of Commercial and Deputy Head for Wallenius Wilhelmsen in Region Americas. Mr. Connor is a graduate of Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and has over twenty four years of experience in the logistics industry. His professional background includes executive management positions with Crowley Maritime and U.S. Lines. Christine K. Cortez Christine K. Cortez was appointed Senior Vice President - Global Service and Parts, Chrysler Group on Jan. 1, 2002. In her current position, Cortez is responsible for supporting the customer after their purchase. This includes development of technical material for service technicians; sourcing, marketing and distribution of service parts to dealerships from distribution centers; development of marketing programs to support dealers in customer retention; marketing and sales of extended service contracts and the resolution of customer issues through the Customer Assistance Center. Her position also oversees the powerful Mopar(R) parts brand which supports the performance-minded vehicle enthusiast. Previously, Ms. Cortez was Vice President - Sales and Marketing Operations, Chrysler Group. Ms. Cortez joined Chrysler Corporation in 1976 as a management trainee in the Mopar Parts Division. She subsequently worked in the Controller's office, Finance, and in Sales and Marketing. Ms. Cortez received a bachelor of science and marketing from Western Michigan University in 1976 and a master of science and management from Wayne State University in 1978. Johan de Nysschen Johan de Nysschen is the Executive Vice President in charge of Audi of America, Inc. As such he is responsible for all aspects of the Audi business in the United States and Canada. Mr. de Nysschen, 46, assumed these responsibilities in December, 2004. Joining Audi of America after many successful international assignments for the Audi brand, Mr. de Nysschen most recently served as the President of Audi Japan. During that assignment, he oversaw significant development of the Audi business, establishing an exclusive Audi dealer network and reconfiguring the product line-up. Audi sales in Japan more than doubled during this period. Prior to joining Audi Japan in 1999, Mr. de Nysschen held various management positions in the automotive industry for a total of over 15 years of automotive experience. During this time he earned his MBA from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Between 1981 and 1990 Johan de Nysschen occupied positions in the Plastics/Automotive components industry, and in government service. Alan H. DeCarr Alan DeCarr is group vice president and general manager of Toyota Logistics Services (TLS), Inc., and international operations. TLS is a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. Mr. DeCarr is responsible for all TLS operations in the United States, which include Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicle delivery to dealers; new vehicle processing and accessory installation; Toyota Transport operations; and the export of North American-produced vehicles to overseas destinations. Mr. DeCarr is also responsible for all Toyota operations in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Recently, Mr. DeCarr held the position of group vice president, sales, for the Toyota Division, where his responsibilities included dealer and field operations for TMS, coordination of private distributors interface, corporate retail dealer development, and public companies. After joining Toyota in 1971, Mr. DeCarr held numerous field-office and corporate-headquarter positions in both the Toyota and Lexus Divisions. Senior field office positions have included assistant general manager at Toyota's Los Angeles and San Francisco Regions and general manager at the Cincinnati Region. Mr. DeCarr was the Lexus Western area manager and Lexus corporate sales manager. He has also served as vice president of the vehicle series teams and vice president of sales for the Toyota Division. A graduate of the University of Redlands in Redlands, Calif., Mr. DeCarr received a Bachelor of Science degree in business management. George Dettloff George Dettloff is president and CEO of SKF USA Inc., a position he assumed in January 2006. In this position, he coordinates a variety of activities for the SKF Group's US-based operations, including its Automotive and Industrial and Service businesses. His responsibilities include oversight of Human Resources, Administration, Legal, IT Systems, Finance and SKF's shared service center. Dettloff reports directly to Tom Johnstone, president and CEO of AB SKF. Mr. Dettloff is also president of SKF's Automotive Division - North America, a position he assumed in January 2004. In this position, he has overall responsibility for the operation of both its bearings and seals businesses. Mr. Dettloff oversees all strategy development, sales, marketing, engineering, finance and manufacturing for the organization. Mr. Dettloff joined SKF in June 2000 as president of its seals business. In this capacity, he led a team in developing operational excellence by reducing inventories, strengthening supply chain management, and emphasizing a team management philosophy, all anchored by lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies. After graduating from General Motors Institute (now Kettering University), he worked 17 years as an industrial engineer, financial analyst, project leader and manager of corporate purchasing for General Motors Corporation. He then moved to Rockwell International where he was promoted from vice president of Worldwide Corporate Purchasing to operations head of the company's Valve Division. He also has held operational positions with Eaton Corporation as general manager of its Transmissions and Engine Components business, and then with Textron Corporation as president of its Industrial Fasteners business. These positions allowed him to fine-tune operational excellence techniques such as Lean, Kaizen, and the value of team building led by those who perform the work. Mr. Dettloff is a registered Professional Engineer, State of Michigan, and has a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Detroit. He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Nancy Gioia Nancy Lee Gioia is Ford Motor Company's director of Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs. Appointed to this position Nov. 1, 2005, she is leading efforts develop and implement Ford's current and next generation of sustainable products - including today's Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid. In addition, Ms. Gioia oversees research, development and ultimately deployment of other sustainable mobility technologies such as hydrogen internal combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Prior to this assignment, Ms. Gioia was Director of Current Model Vehicle Quality for North America where she was responsible for overall current model quality performance. Ms. Gioia has held several key management and executive positions within Ford Product Development, including valuable experience in electronics architecture design and integration in vehicles. She also was Chief Engineer for the Ford Aeromax class-8 truck line and the 2002 Ford Thunderbird program. She went on to direct engineering for all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury passenger cars in North America before taking on her current assignment. Ms. Gioia joined Ford Motor Company in 1982 as a graduate trainee in the Electronics Division. From 1983 to 1986, she held various positions in the Division's Powertrain business unit. In June 1986, she became manufacturing and quality engineer at the Engine Control Electronics facility in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Her manufacturing experience continued in management positions in the organization, including the launch of Ford's new facility in Cadiz, Spain in 1989. In June 1991, Ms. Gioia was named alliance manager for the Electronics Division, responsible for the management, development and growth of more than 18 strategic alliances. In February 1993, she became manufacturing and materials planning and logistics manager, and, later that year, manager of assembly operations in the Climate Control Division at Ford's Plymouth, Mich. plant. Beginning in August 1994, Ms. Gioia took on a number of key assignments as engineering chief for several vehicle nameplates and platforms. She was named chief engineer - Commercial Truck, Automotive Components Division and in February 1996 was appointed chief program engineer for the Louisville/AeroMax truck line. She then served as chief program engineer for the all-new 2002 Ford Thunderbird delivering the vehicle from concept to production. Ms. Gioia combines her hands-on and management experience in electronics architectures, manufacturing, vehicle engineering, vehicle program management, quality engineering systems and executive direction to the Sustainable Mobility Technology and Hybrid Vehicle Programs group. This position includes direction of scientists working in Ford's Research and Innovations Center developing tomorrow's propulsion solutions and direction of a product engineering group applying and integrating new technologies into products for consumers today and in the future. Ms. Gioia received her Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan and her Master of Sciences in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from Stanford University. While studying with the assistance of a Ford Advanced Education Fellowship, she received the Outstanding Service Award from the Stanford Institute for Manufacturing and Automation. In July 2001, she received the All Star Award from Automotive News and in 2005 she was named as one of the Automotive News "100 Leading Women in the Auto Industry." She remains an active member of the Stanford University Alliance for Innovative Manufacturing (former chair) and is a board member of Auto Alliance International. Laurie Harbour-Felax Laurie Harbour-Felax has 18 years of experience providing the automotive industry with benchmarking, manufacturing assessments, performance enhancement and strategic planning. She is currently president of the Harbour-Felax Group, responsible for directing the company's daily activities, strategy, business development and industry diversification. Ms. Harbour-Felax works closely with automotive and manufacturing companies and their suppliers to analyze their strengths and weaknesses, identify existing gaps and risks and develop a strategic transformation process to achieve sustainable improvements, ultimately mitigating risk and improving the health of organizations. Her passion is the supplier community - particularly small and middle market suppliers. Her company's programs are designed to help companies develop a proactive supplier-development program that focuses on reducing risks among their supplier base. Prior to founding Harbour-Felax Group in 2005, Ms. Harbour-Felax was vice president and company officer at Harbour Consulting. Her principal responsibilities included business development, project oversight, strategic planning for clients as well as internally, administrative functions and management of The Harbour Report, which included presentations to global manufacturers, issue resolution, data analysis, verification and methodology training. She also was responsible for the report's strategic planning and future growth to other areas of the world. Over the course of a year, Ms. Harbour-Felax toured over 30 automotive manufacturing operations worldwide. At Harbour Consulting, Ms. Harbour-Felax also was involved with numerous consulting projects with global-automotive manufacturers, tier-one suppliers and the defense industry where she provided analysis and counsel in operations improvement, product and process development, competitive research and benchmarking. Ms. Harbour-Felax has lectured and presented on numerous topics of supplier transformation, manufacturing and overall business operations improvement. She is regularly quoted in local and national publications as an experienced analyst. Ms. Harbour-Felax graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with a Bachelors of Business Administration and a major in operations management and human resources. She is a member of the Automotive Women's Alliance and Inforum. Buzz Hargrove Buzz Hargrove has been the National President for the Canadian Auto Workers Union since his acclamation in 1992 and has been re-elected every three years. As a Windsor Local 444 autoworker, Mr. Hargrove held several elected local positions before joining the union's staff in 1975. In 1978, he became assistant to director Bob White. In addition to his role as CAW President, Mr. Hargrove is a vice-president on the executive committee of the Canadian Labour Congress. He has extensive bargaining experience and an understanding of, and commitment to, economic, social and political issues affecting workers and their families here and internationally. During his years as President his action-oriented leadership style has led him to be a regular guest on many television programs and a frequently requested lecturer at universities. In November 1998, Mr. Hargrove authored Labour of Love: The Fight to Create a More Humane Canada along with Wayne Skene. In 1998, Mr. Hargrove received a doctorate of laws degree at Brock University in recognition of his contribution to society. He also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Windsor in 2003, and Wilfred Laurier University in 2004. Andrea Hoffman Andrea Hoffman has provided leadership-minded clients with forward thinking ideas, strategies and tactics for over 19 years. She is a seasoned marketing professional, trend forecaster and Founder of Hoffman Management & Consulting (HMC) and Diversity Affluence'. Ms. Hoffman's career highlights include functioning as the key architect of Mercedes-Benz USA's first formal entertainment and women's strategic plans. She was part of the team hired to evaluate a multi-million dollar Presence Marketing budget when Mercedes was shifting its brand towards a younger demographic. Ms. Hoffman's background includes a combination of agency and entrepreneurial experience. She began her career creating and producing celebrity-driven programs and event marketing strategies. Today, Ms. Hoffman runs HMC, which specializes in marketing and business development consulting, and designing non-traditional marketing communications plans. Ms. Hoffman was recently a Strategic Planner on the BMW account where her responsibilities included managing BMW's day-to-day e-commerce business. As a long time advocate of diversity initiatives, paired with her background working on luxury brands, Ms. Hoffman recently launched Diversity Affluence'; the authoritative voice of, and advocate for, the affluent ethnic consumer. As the first company of its kind, Diversity Affluence' provides the depth and breadth of marketing and business development consulting necessary for brands to effectively understand, target and engage a wide range of affluent ethnic "classes". Other diversity consulting projects have included work with National Council of La Raza and the American Latino Media Arts Awards. Ms. Hoffman also helped a prominent New York City law firm win a landmark case for a major cigarette client by providing accurate insight on the hip-hop culture. Mark T. Hogan Mark T. Hogan was named the president of Magna International Inc. September 1, 2004. As President, Mr. Hogan directs a $22 billion global automotive business that designs, develops and manufactures automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineers and assembles complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers of cars and light trucks. Magna employs 82,000 people at 224 manufacturing divisions and 60 product development and engineering centers throughout North and South America, Mexico, Europe and Asia. Prior to joining Magna, Mr. Hogan spent 31 years at General Motors. During his GM career, he served as Group Vice President of Advance Vehicle Development, Group Vice President and President of e-GM, GM's Internet business unit; General Manager for the GM North America Car Group, and President and Managing Director of GM do Brazil. Mr. Hogan began his GM career in 1973 with the Electro-Motive Division in Chicago. He held a variety of executive positions in GM's financial staff and also served as a Group Director for the Public Affairs Staff at GM's Chevrolet-Pontiac GM of Canada Group and General Manager and Comptroller at New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc (NUMMI), GM's joint venture at Toyota Motor Co. Mr. Hogan received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and finance from University of Illinois in 1973. He was awarded a GM Fellowship and received a master's degree in business administration from Harvard University in 1977. Mark Hogan serves on the Board of Focus: Hope, a Detroit-based technical education and community support organization, and the Canada-U.S. Fulbright Foundation. Mike Jackson Mike Jackson became GM North America vice president of marketing and advertising on March 1, 2006. He is responsible for directing the marketing, advertising, and media efforts for the eight GM vehicle divisions. Prior to his promotion, Mr. Jackson was the regional general manager of GM's Western Region, where he led the sales, marketing, and distribution efforts for the region's 16 member states since February 2002. Mr. Jackson joined GM in February 2000 as executive director of sales and marketing support based at GM's global headquarters in Detroit. In this capacity, he developed and led the team focused on integrating the company's sales and promotional efforts. He received the distinguished Chairman's Honors in 2002 for being a leader in the "Keep America Rolling" program. Prior to joining GM, Mr. Jackson held key leadership positions, spanning more than 20 years, in a variety of sales and marketing assignments at Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Co, and Coors Brewing Company. At Coors, Mr. Jackson served as vice president of market development for the extensive U.S. retail distribution operations. He led the company's implementation of national growth strategies and increased the focus on underdeveloped brands. Prior to that, he was vice president of the Southwest field business area headquartered in Southern California, with responsibility for coordinating and directing the company's wholesale and retail operations in key Western states. While at Pepsi-Co, Mr. Jackson served as regional sales manager, quickly rising to market unit general manager for the company-owned bottling operation serving Los Angeles and Orange Counties. In 1978, he received a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Kent State University in Ohio and a master's degree in communications from the Annenberg School at the University of Southern California (USC) in 1981. He also completed the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton Executive Development Program in 1993 and the GM Senior Executive Program in 2002. Mr. Jackson served on the board of directors of the Los Angeles Urban League for six years and is currently the chairperson of Leadership Education and Development (LEAD), (www.leadnational.org), a non-profit organization established in 1980, which is focused on providing opportunities for minority high school students interested in pursuing careers in business at major universities. Jim Lentz Jim Lentz is executive vice president for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. He has overall responsibility for sales, marketing and distribution for Toyota, Scion and Lexus products in the United States. In addition, Mr. Lentz is general manager of TMS' Toyota Division, overseeing all sales, logistics and marketing activities for Toyota, Scion and Central Atlantic Toyota Distributors. In 1982, Mr. Lentz joined Toyota as the merchandising manager for its Portland Region, where he later became the distribution manager and field operations manager. He held several positions at TMS headquarters in Torrance, Calif., including field training manager, sales administration manager, and truck sales team member. Mr. Lentz also served as vice president of marketing services for Central Atlantic Toyota, a private distributorship based in Glen Burnie, Md. In 1995, Mr. Lentz was promoted to general manager for Toyota's San Francisco Region, and he later became general manager of the Los Angeles Region. As vice president of Scion, Mr. Lentz was responsible for the initial launch of a new line of vehicles for the next generation of new-car buyers. Recently, he held the position of group vice president of marketing, Toyota Division. Mr. Lentz attended the University of Denver where he earned a bachelor's degree in marketing and economics and a Masters in Business Administration - Finance. Timothy D. Leuliette Timothy D. Leuliette is chairman and chief executive officer of Metaldyne. In this role, Mr. Leuliette oversees operation of the global automotive supply company with annual revenues of $2 billion and over 6,500 employees at 38 facilities in 14 countries around the world. Mr. Leuliette was formerly president and chief operating officer of Penske Corporation, a closely-held diversified transportation services company managing businesses with annual revenues exceeding $10 billion and more than 33,000 employees at over 200 facilities worldwide. Prior to joining Penske Corporation, Mr. Leuliette was president and chief executive officer of ITT Automotive Inc., and senior vice president of ITT Industries, Inc. Before joining ITT, he served as president and chief executive officer of Siemens Automotive L.P. He also was a member of the Siemens Automotive Managing Board and a corporate vice president of Siemens AG. Mr. Leuliette was the first non-German to hold this level of authority in the 143-year history of the electrical and electronics company. Before joining Siemens, Mr. Leuliette was group vice president for the Bendix Electronics Group of AlliedSignal Automotive. He held several positions with the company including vice president and general manager of Bendix Electronic Controls Division; vice president of sales and marketing of the Bendix Brake and Steering Division; and group director with AlliedSignal Automotive. Mr. Leuliette also has held various engineering and planning positions within Ford Motor Company and was executive director of product planning for American Motors. Mr. Leuliette holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan. He serves on numerous boards including Collins & Aikman, TriMas Corporation, Vattikuti Urology Institute of Henry Ford Health Systems, and Karmanos Cancer Institute. He is a past chairman of the board of The Detroit Branch of The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Mr. Leuliette is dedicated to the community and has strong affiliations with Detroit Renaissance and Junior Achievement. Peter J. Marks Peter J. Marks has been a Member of the Board of Management of Robert Bosch GmbH since the beginning of 2002. He has corporate responsibility for coordinating manufacturing and investment planning as well as for environmental protection, and divisional responsibility for the Security Systems Division. His regional responsibility covers the coordination of activities in North and South America. After an apprenticeship as a machinery fitter from 1968 to 1972, Mr. Marks completed his school education, then began a course of study in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Konstanz, where he qualified as an engineer in 1977. He began his career with the Bosch Group in operations scheduling at the Reutlingen plant and the Corporate Department for Engineering Operations outside Germany. In 1982 he progressed to section chief and project manager for manufacturing, Robert Bosch Corporation, Automotive Group, USA. In 1989, Mr. Marks became head of the manufacturing department there and by 1992, he was appointed technical manager of the Anderson plant. In 1995 he became technical manager of the Charleston plant for Robert Bosch Corporation, Automotive Group, USA and in 1988 he advanced to executive vice-president manufacturing for the Semiconductors and Electronic Control Units Division. By 2000, Mr. Marks was named president and executive vice-president technology for the Body Electrics and Electronics Division and in 2002 he became a member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH. Kevin B. McMahon Kevin B. McMahon is a Managing Partner of The Martec Group, Inc., a global technical marketing research and consulting firm. Based in Detroit, Mr. McMahon leads the firm's automotive and transportation practice which serves leading system, material and service suppliers on a global basis. Mr. McMahon has more than 20 years experience in automotive and transportation consulting with a focus on technology forecasting, product development, market analysis and mergers & acquisitions. The bulk of this experience revolves around new technology development and launch initiatives based on a detailed understanding of customer values, competitor positioning, and other external forces impacting business strategy. Mr. McMahon is highly experienced in all vehicle systems and subsystems, including powertrains, emissions control, safety, communication and entertainment. Mr. McMahon has a bachelor's degree in Management from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University. Deborah Wahl Meyer Deborah Wahl Meyer is vice president of marketing for Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. Ms. Meyer oversees all aspects of Lexus' marketing efforts to support dealers and reach customers with key information about Lexus vehicles and the Lexus brand. The marketing department identifies strategic messages, develops advertising and marketing programs and implements the ideas through advertising, auto shows, motorsports, interactive marketing, events and other initiatives. Previously, Ms. Meyer served as corporate manager of marketing communications for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. She was responsible for managing all marketing and advertising for Toyota's vehicles. Prior to joining Toyota in 2001, Ms. Meyer spent a number of years developing brand and marketing strategies for various automotive nameplates, including Lincoln-Mercury and Mazda. At Lincoln-Mercury she was responsible for advertising, promotions, Internet commerce, dealer meetings and auto shows. Prior to Lincoln-Mercury, Ms. Meyer worked for Mazda as the group manager of brand strategy and communications. She also held the positions of brand manager for Ford do Brazil in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Prior to joining the automotive industry, Ms. Meyer worked on new product launches for W.L. Gore & Associates in France and The Chase Manhattan Bank, NA in New York. Ms. Meyer was named one of the 100 most influential women in the automotive industry by Automotive News twice and has also been inducted into the American Advertising Federation Hall of Advertising Achievement. Ms. Meyer serves on the Board of Directors - ANA (Association of National Advertisers). She also serves on the Hall of Achievement - AAF Committee and, as of 2005, serves as a trustee for the Long Beach Museum of Art. She has a BA in Economics from Wellesley College, an MBA from The Wharton School and an MA in International Studies from The Joseph Lauder Institute at University of Pennsylvania. Tim Myers Tim Myers is senior manager in the North American Technical Group for Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc.'s Purchasing Division. Promoted to his current position in 2001, Mr. Myers is responsible for New Model and Quality Systems, Supplier Development, the Supplier Support Team, and the Tooling Center. The Technical Group provides suppliers with assistance in problem solving, associate involvement training, management and supervisory training, process and value stream improvements, and tooling cost analysis. Mr. Myers joined Honda of America as an administrator in the Purchasing Department's Procurement Group in 1986. When Honda announced its Five-Part Strategy in 1987 to establish Honda of America Mfg. as a self-reliant motor vehicle company, Mr. Myers was part of the team that established strategies and processes to develop the domestic supply base in North America. He was named assistant manager of procurement in 1994, managing 38 suppliers representing more than $1 billion in annual purchases for stamped parts. In 1996, Mr. Myers became Honda's liaison member between Honda of America Purchasing and Honda Motor Co.'s R&D and purchasing operations in Japan for stamping and new-model cost functions. In 1998, Mr. Myers was promoted to manager of the procurement Stamping and Tooling Center, where he developed new model tooling investment cost strategies and targets. Mr. Myers earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Bowling Green State University in 1986, with a major in procurement and materials management. Prabhakar Patil Prabhakar Patil is chief executive officer (CEO) of Compact Power, Inc. (CPI), the North American subsidiary of lithium-ion battery-maker, LG Chem (LGC), Korea. In this position, he has overall responsibility for the strategic direction, engineering and business development activities of the business. Prior to joining CPI in 2005, Dr. Patil spent his entire professional career of 27 years at Ford Motor Company in various engineering and management positions. He served as chief engineer for Ford's Hybrid Technologies during 2003 and was also chief engineer for the Ford Escape Hybrid from 1998 to 2003. Dr. Patil received his undergraduate degree from IIT, Bombay, and his PhD in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He has 12 patents, published 22 articles and received the Henry Ford Technology Award in 1991 for his work in Electric Vehicle Powertrain Development. Jerry Reynolds Jerry Reynolds is the President of CarGuy Media. He began his automotive career in 1973 at Horn-Williams Ford in Dallas, rising to the title of general manager by 1982. In that same year, he became general manager of Champion Ford and by 1986, he was the #1 volume Ford dealer in Texas. In 1987, Mr. Reynolds bought John Toole Buick and formed Jerry Reynolds Buick-Maserati-Lotus. He sold the dealership in February of 1990 and joined Prestige Ford in April 1990, becoming the owner by January 1996. He sold that dealership in April 2006. Besides serving as the president of CarGuy Media, Mr. Reynolds is the host of The Jerry Reynolds Auto Advice Show on News/Talk 820 WBAP AM, a featured auto industry expert on Good Morning Texas on WFAA/Dallas and a feature auto writer for the Dallas Morning News. Mr. Reynolds is very involved in the community and has served as a chairman or board member on several boards of directors including the Ford National Dealer Council. Mr. Reynolds has won numerous awards throughout his career. He is a ten time winner of the Ford President's Award and a six time Winner of the Chairman's Award. He has won the Ford Credit Partner's in Quality Award nine times and was the #1 Volume Ford Dealer in Southwest Region from 1996-2002 and 2003-2004. In addition, he is a five time winner of the Ford North American Customer Excellence Award and the 2004 National Winner of the USA TODAY Dealer Innovation Award. Mr. Reynolds graduated from Northwood University in 1977 with an AA in Automotive marketing. Peter van Stolk Peter van Stolk began in the beverage business when he founded Urban Hand Ltd., a predecessor company to Jones Soda Co., in 1987. Urban Hand Ltd. operated until 1995 as the largest independent distributor of New Age beverages in Western Canada. In 1995, Mr. van Stolk initiated the creation and launch of the Company's own brands, with the launch of its flagship brand, Jones Soda Co. ("Jones Soda" or "Jones"), in 1996. Initially launched into alternative channels of trade with a unique marketing approach including alternative athletes and sampling of Jones Soda via the roving R.V. program, Jones Soda is best known for its innovative labeling technique that incorporates always-changing photos sent in from its consumers. Jones Soda Co. was a pioneer in launching its soda to alternative channels as well as creating an interactive soda, which further allows its consumers to create their own personalized case of "myjones" on-line, becoming the first beverage company to provide value-added and personalized packaging at a price which makes economic sense for both Jones Soda Co. and its consumers. With such a strong emotional connection between the brand and its consumer, Jones has quickly developed a cult-like following in the youth demographic in North America as well as becoming the leader in the premium soda category. In 2001, Jones Soda Co. extended its product line into the non-carbonated juice & tea category with Jones Juice, utilizing the ever-changing photo concept as well. In this same year, Jones Soda Co. launched Jones Energy, its own energy drink, which has rounded out the Jones brand to include premium soda, juice & teas and an energy drink. The emotional connection between the consumer and the brand is the backbone of Mr. van Stolk's branding strategy and for which he has been recognized by such publications as Advertising Age, The New York Times, CNN, and People Magazine. Daniel C. Ustian Daniel C. Ustian is chairman, president and chief executive officer of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV), the parent company of Warrenville, Ill.-based International Truck and Engine Corporation. He began serving as chairman of the board of directors following the company's annual meeting on February 17, 2004 and as chief executive officer on February 18, 2003. Before being named CEO, Mr. Ustian served as president and chief operating officer since April 2002, overseeing the company's truck and engine operations and participating in the development of the company's future strategic direction with a particular emphasis on growth initiatives. Previously, Mr. Ustian served as president of International's engine group since July 1999. Mr. Ustian also served as group vice president and general manager of engine and foundry since 1990. Mr. Ustian joined the company in 1973 and served in a number of manufacturing and financial positions in its agricultural and truck groups. He was vice president of manufacturing for the engine and foundry group when he was named to head the group in 1993. He also serves as chairman of the board of Blue Diamond Truck Company LLC, Diesel Components, Inc., Global Gear Corp. and Indianapolis Casting Corp. In June 2003, he was appointed to the Monaco Coach Corporation board of directors. He also was elected to the board of the Manufacturers Alliance in February 2004. In addition, Mr. Ustian is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, the American Foundry Assn. and the Executives' Club of Chicago. Mr. Ustian received a bachelor's degree in business administration from DePaul University in 1972. Steve Wilhite Steve Wilhite was named chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor America in August 2006. Mr. Wilhite is responsible for the company’s strategic development, sales, marketing, communications, parts and service operational divisions and reports to the president and chief executive officer. Mr. Wilhite was formerly senior vice president, global marketing for Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. Previously, he served as vice president of marketing for Nissan North America. Prior to joining Nissan, Mr. Wilhite served as vice president, worldwide marketing communications at Apple and before that as the senior marketing executive at Volkswagen of America, where he led development of the “Drivers Wanted” campaign and launch of the new Beetle. He has also served in senior management positions in the retail auto industry. Mr. Wilhite began his automotive career with Ford Motor Company. Mr. Wilhite earned a master’s degree in business administration at the University of California at Berkeley and a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Stanford University. Mitch Williams Mitch Williams, founder of Vehicle Performance Systems, was elected to SEMA chairman of the board of directors for the term beginning July 31, 2005, immediately succeeding former chairman Corky Coker. Mr. Williams, SEMA Person of the Year in 2001, has over 30 years of automotive and OEM industry experience. Mr. Williams entered the automotive industry in 1976 as coordinator of performance activities for S.E.V. Corp. which marketed the Cibie and Machal lighting lines. In 1985, he left S.E.V. (now Valeo) and CJR, a redistributing company which he partially owned, to join Hella as its eastern regional sales manager. Three years later, he became the company's youngest president at age 32. Active in the Auto International Association (AIA), Mr. Williams was elected to the SEMA Board of Directors in 1998, and re-elected in 2000. Mr. Williams has served on the SEMA Board of Directors, SEMA Executive Committee and on several SEMA task forces that include: Lighting, Congressional, International and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) Relations. Mr. Williams also authored the 2002 SEMA report "Introduction to Quality Systems." |
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