Detroit-based American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. appointed two executives to new positions on its management team, effective immediately. Michael K. Simonte becomes president of the corporation; Christopher J. May becomes vice president and chief financial officer.
Simonte and May will report to David C. Dauch, who had held the president’s title and remains as chairman and CEO of the company.
AAM also appointed Alberto L. Satine to president of AAM’s Driveline Business Unit (and senior vice president, AAM corporate); and Norman Willemse to president of AAM’s Metal Formed Products unit (and senior vice president, AAM corporate). Satine and Willemse will report to Simonte.
American Axle produces driveline/drivetrain systems and components, chassis systems, and other forged and finished products. It has seven manufacturing plants and three technical centers in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, and manufacturing operations in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Poland, Scotland, South Korea, Sweden, and Thailand.
Michael K. Simonte, 51, has been an affiliated with AAM for nearly 17 years, his most recent title being executive vice president & CFO. Previous to that, he was the corporation’s treasurer, and AAM listed numerous skills related to his financial management and investment strategy experience. He also was credited with “extensive leadership experience at the operating level that includes overseeing capital allocation, managing commercial negotiations, executing restructuring activities and directing the company's information technology function.”
"Mike has been instrumental to our profitable growth and success, and a key leader in building a solid financial foundation for AAM," according to Dauch.
Christopher J. May, 45, has been with AAM for 21 years, in positions of “increasingly significant responsibility.” His most recent post was as the firm’s treasurer, and previously the assistant treasurer. His experience includes financial reporting, internal audit and operations finance, and he has led the company's efforts to refinance its capital structure and build strong financial processes.
May holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from University of Detroit-Mercy, and a B.S. degree in Accounting from Canisius College. May is a CPA, as well.
"Chris has demonstrated outstanding leadership in our finance organization since joining the company in 1994," according to Dauch. "His deep institutional knowledge will allow for a smooth transition and an immediate positive impact on the future direction of our company."
