SOUTHFIELD Mich. (Jan. 25, 2017) — Denso Corp. has made a series of management and organizational changes in North American that the company said represents its commitment to regional and global leadership development.
"These changes help broaden the scope of our executive team, strengthening our regional approach and providing unique challenges and opportunities to Denso's leaders," Kenichiro Ito, chairman of Denso's North America board of directors and CEO of Denso's North American headquarters said.
"It improves collaboration within our local companies, across the region and across Denso globally."
Bill Foy was named senior vice president of engineering and will oversee North American product engineering and development, including climate control, engine components and systems, engine electrical, safety products, cluster, in-vehicle-infotainment, body electronics and small motor engineering. Previously, he was senior vice president of the sales and marketing division.
Doug Patton will assume the role of SAE International president while continuing in his role as executive vice president of engineering and chief technology officer.
Denise Carlson was promoted to vice president of North America planning and material engineering, Production Innovation Center. She will be responsible for overseeing material development, material quality assurance, and material education for Denso's North American product groups.
Kara Grasso was promoted to vice president of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) sales group, and will oversees FCA sales strategy and activities in all key product areas. She was also appointed to lead Denso's product sales strategy. Previously, she was director of FCA Sales.
Benjamin Luppino will be vice president of Toyota sales group. Previously, he was vice president and global lead of the General Motors sales group.
Rob Hempel will become vice president of General Motors sales group. Previously he was global lead for Toyota sales.
Chuntao Ye was promoted to senior vice president after previously serving as vice president of Denso's Alternator/Starter Division in Maryville. In his new role, he will be responsible for instrument cluster, electronics, and body electronics plants located in Maryville, Tenn. He also is deputy leader of information and safety systems.
All personnel changes took effect Jan. 1.
Denso, a global supplier of advanced technology, systems and components, has its North American headquarters in Southfield. The company employs more than 23,000 across 30 consolidated and affiliated companies in the North American Region, with 28 factories in 13 states.