American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. appointed David C. Dauch as president and chief executive officer of the Tier One automotive systems and components manufacturer. Current chairman and CEO Richard E. Dauch, who also is credited as a co-founder of AAM, will become executive chairman of the Detroit-based firm’s board of directors. The change was effective as of September 1.
AAM produces driveline and drivetrain systems and components, chassis systems, and metal-formed products for light trucks, SUVs, passenger cars, and crossover and commercial vehicles at plants in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. It has manufacturing locations in Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Poland, and Thailand. It has sales and engineering offices in several other Asian, European, and South American centers.
David C. Dauch was named president and chief operating officer of AAM in 2008, having joined the company in 1995, and he held a series of executive positions including executive vice president and COO over the past 17 years. Before joining AAM, Dauch held several positions at Collins & Aikman Products Co., a producer of cockpit modules and automotive floor and acoustic systems, instrument panels, automotive fabric, plastic-based trim and convertible top systems.
Dauch earned a B.S. degree in production/operations and purchasing management from Miami University, and a M.B.A. from Michigan State University.
"My father's vision, passion, and unparalleled leadership have transformed AAM into the leading global automotive supplier that it is today," David Dauch stated. "I look forward to working with all of AAM's key stakeholders. Our commitment, direction, mission and vision are clear and we are ready to build value by delivering quality, technology leadership, diversification and operational excellence for our customers around the world."
Dauch is a director of Business Leaders for Michigan, the Detroit Regional Chamber, the Great Lakes Council Boy Scouts of America and the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Michigan.
"Having developed a sound succession plan over the years, AAM is well positioned for the future. I look forward to assisting the outstanding leadership team we have assembled to execute our profitable growth plan," said Richard E. Dauch.
"As a superb leader for AAM, David has distinguished himself as a globally focused executive who has a passion for advanced technology and operational excellence. David is the right person to lead our team and build value for all of our key stakeholders."
Thomas K. Walker, the independent lead director of AAM's board offered: "As a board, we place a very high priority on succession planning and the development of management to ensure the company's continuing success. David C. Dauch is a results-driven leader and has been instrumental in diversifying AAM's product portfolio and customer base while establishing a global manufacturing, engineering, and sourcing footprint.
"We are grateful for the strong leadership Dick has provided to AAM since its inception in 1994,” Walker continued. “We are also pleased that he will continue to provide his extraordinary knowledge and expertise to the company This will be invaluable as we move into the future."
