Denso reshuffles North America personnel

Denso, a global automotive supplier with a manufacturing facility in Osceola, has announced a spate of executive changes.

Kenichiro Ito, chairman of Denso’s North America board of directors and chief executive officer of its North American headquarters in Southfield, Mich., said the promotions will “help broaden the scope of our executive team, strengthening our regional approach and providing unique challenges and opportunities to Denso’s leaders.” There were seven executive promotions in all, with each taking effect earlier this month.

• Bill Foy was named senior vice president of engineering. Based in Southfield, Mich., Foy is responsible for overseeing all 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 served as senior vice president of the sales and marketing division.
• Doug Patton will continue his role as executive vice president of engineering and chief technology officer. In 2017, he assumes the role of SAE International president. This change will allow him to focus on the new role, as well as help broaden the scope of Denso’s executive team.
• Denise Carlson was promoted to vice president of the North America planning and material engineering, production innovation center. Based in Southfield, Mich., Carlson is 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, located in the Southfield facility. She oversees FCA sales strategy and activities in all key product areas. She was also appointed to lead Denso’s product sales strategy. Previously, Grasso was director of FCA Sales.
• Benjamin Luppino will serve as vice president of Toyota Sales Group, located in the Southfield facility. His primary responsibility is guiding the operational and personnel activities for the Toyota Motors Sales group, including overall sales expansion. Previously, Luppino served as vice president and global lead of the General Motors sales group.
• Rob Hempel will serve as vice president of General Motors sales group, located in the Southfield facility. His primary responsibility is guiding the operational and personnel activities for the General Motors Sales group, including overall sales expansion. Previously he served as global lead for Toyota Sales.
• Chuntao Ye was promoted to senior vice president. Ye is responsible for instrument cluster, electronics and body electronics plants located in Maryville, Tenn. He also serves as deputy leader of information and safety systems. Previously, he served as vice president of Denso’s alternator/starter division in Maryville.