SOUTHFIELD, MI -- DENSO International America, Inc., North American headquarters for Japan-based DENSO Corporation, recently announced several organizational changes.

Patrick Bassett has been promoted to vice president from director of Thermal Systems Engineering, with overall responsibility for heating, ventilating and cooling (HVAC) system design and development for DENSO's North American customers.

Bassett has 20 years experience with DENSO, including a two-year assignment at the company's headquarters in Japan. He holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Tianjin (TJ) Liu was promoted to director from senior manager of Body Component Systems I. As director, Liu will oversee the design and development of instrument clusters for the company's customers from initial concept stages through product phase-out.

Liu joined DENSO International America, Inc. in 1993 and holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Zhejiang University in HangZhou, China, and a master of science degree in mechanical engineering from Hawaii University.

Robert Hempel was promoted to director of Chrysler Sales from senior manager of General Motors Sales. In his new role, Hempel will direct operational and personnel activities for the Chrysler Sales group.

Hempel joined DENSO International America in 1993 and holds a bachelor of science degree from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI, and a master of business administration degree from The University of Michigan-Flint.

Robert Townsend was promoted to director from senior manager of the Environmental, Safety and Health department. As director, Townsend will coordinate corporate environmental, safety and product-related substance of concern initiatives for DENSO's North American manufacturing, engineering and marketing divisions.

Townsend joined DENSO International America in 1996 and holds a bachelor of science degree in biology from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI.