MILWAUKEE and PARIS, March 1 /PRNewswire/ — Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions today announced the appointment of Mary Ann Wright as its Chief Executive Officer. Her appointment is effective March 1, 2007.
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Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions (JCS) is the joint venture between Johnson Controls, Inc. and France based Saft Groupe SA, which is the exclusive entity by which the companies participate in the hybrid battery market.
Wright will be responsible for accelerating the growth and executing the launch of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle battery programs with emphasis on state of the art technology, manufacturing and electronics integration.
In addition to leading JCS, Ms. Wright will also assume the role of Vice President and General Manager, Hybrid Systems for Johnson Controls, Inc. She will report to Alex Molinaroli, President, Johnson Controls Power Solutions.
Wright most recently served as Executive Vice President Engineering, Product Development, Commercial and Program Management for Collins & Aikman Corporation since February 2006. Prior to joining Collins & Aikman, she served as Director, Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs at Ford Motor Company. In this capacity she was responsible for all hybrid, fuel cell and alternative fuel technology development. Wright also served as Chief Engineer of the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid, the industry’s first full hybrid SUV. She began her career at Ford in 1988, holding a variety of positions in finance, product and business planning, and engineering. She also played a major role in the launch of multiple vehicles at Ford including the initial Mercury Villager and Nissan Quest, and successive versions of the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.
“Mary Ann is a respected industry leader,” said Alex Molinaroli, President, Johnson Controls Power Solutions. “She brings a thorough understanding of our customers’ needs in terms of product, process and program management.”
Wright has been recognized by Automotive News as one of the “Leading 100 Women in the Automotive Industry.” She earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Business from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan and a Master of Business Administration degree from Wayne State University.
About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global leader in automotive experience, building efficiency and power solutions. The company provides innovative automotive interiors that help make driving more comfortable, safe and enjoyable. For buildings, it offers products and services that optimize energy use and improve comfort and security. Johnson Controls also provides batteries for automobiles and hybrid-electric vehicles, along with systems engineering and service expertise. Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI) has 136,000 employees in more than 1,000 locations serving customers in 125 countries. Founded in 1885, the company is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/.
About Saft
Saft (Saft: Euronext) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used in high performance applications such as industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, space and defence. Saft is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel-cadmium batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialised advanced technologies for the defence and space industries. With approximately 3,800 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 18 countries. Its 18 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. For more information, visit Saft at http://www.saftbatteries.com/
