FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (April 11, 2016) — Akebono Brake Corp. has appointed Wilm Uhlenbecker president and CEO, effective immediately.
He succeeds interim president and chief executive Kanji Miyajima, who will now serve as executive adviser to Mr. Uhlenbecker, according to Akebono.
Wilm Uhlenbecker
Mr. Uhlenbecker has held a series of leadership roles throughout his career, most recently serving as president of Mahle Behr USA Inc. where, Akebono said, he “successfully led the acquisition and integration of Delphi's Thermal Management North American business into Mahle Behr.”
He joined Behr in 2007 as chief operating officer of Behr America, where he led a successful turnaround of the company through strategic cost reductions and manufacturing footprint restructuring activities, later assuming the role of president and CEO.
“We are excited to have Wilm join the Akebono family,” said Hisataka “Chuck” Nobumoto, president and CEO of Akebono Brake Corp.'s parent company, Akebono Brake Industry Co. Ltd. “His track record of successful leadership in a multi-cultural global environment speaks for itself. He will be a valuable addition to our organization.”
Mr. Uhlenbecker's prior experience includes management positions in engineering, quality and operations. He holds a doctorate degree in mechanical engineering and a master of business administration degree from RWTH Aachen University in Germany.
Akebono Brake Corp. is involved in advanced brake and friction material development and production, with a focus on noise, vibration and harshness analysis and control, according to the company. Which manufactures a wide range of brake friction materials and foundation brake assemblies, including disc brake calipers and drum brakes.
Akebono Brake Industry was founded in 1929. The Akebono Group operates R&D centers and manufacturing facilities worldwide, including in Japan, the U.S., Europe and Asia.
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