SOUTHFIELD, Mich., (Feb. 4, 2005) — Federal-Mogul Corp. has chosen Jose Maria Alapont as its new president and chief executive officer and the decision has been authorized by the federal court presiding over the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
Mr. Alapont, who had been CEO and a member of the board of IVECO—the commercial vehicle company of the Fiat Group—replaces Robert S. Miller, who was serving as Federal-Mogul's interim CEO and will continue as chairman of the Southfield-based company's board. Mr. Alapont also joins the board.
Mr. Alapont brings to Federal-Mogul more than 30 years of strong leadership experience in both the automotive manufacturer and supplier industries, Federal-Mogul said. As IVECO's chief executive, he ran one of the world's largest manufacturers in the transport sector and during his tenure the firm consistently achieved profitable sales growth and efficiency gains, Federal-Mogul added.
“I look forward to leading Federal-Mogul—a company with more than 100 years of rich automotive history,” Mr. Alapont said. “The opportunities that lie ahead for Federal-Mogul are exciting. The company is well positioned for success given its commitment to technology, engineering excellence and innovation in addition to its broad product offerings and trusted brands.”
Carl C. Icahn, Federal-Mogul's largest bondholder who participated in the search process for the new CEO, said he believes “a man with Mr. Alapont's record and experience will prove to be a vital addition to Federal-Mogul and will help Federal-Mogul reach its great potential.”
“Mr. Alapont's appointment culminates an extensive search for the chief executive officer to lead Federal-Mogul into the future,” Mr. Miller said, noting its new CEO possesses every one of the characteristics the company requires—“dynamic leadership skills, broad global automotive experience, a vast knowledge of technology and strong customer relationships. Mr. Alapont's extensive experience in engineering, operations, strategic planning, and the global market will serve Federal-Mogul well as it continues to improve its financial performance and grow its competitive advantage.”
A native of Spain, Mr. Alapont is fluent in Spanish, English, French and Italian. He began his career at Delphi Automotive Systems in 1997 and served in a number of positions for that supplier of automotive systems and components.