PLYMOUTH, MI -- Aisin World Corp. of America (AWA), a leading supplier of automotive components, has named Don Whitsitt president. The announcement was made at the company's board meeting last month. Whitsitt was also appointed to AWA's board of directors.

Whitsitt, a 19-year veteran of the company who was previously executive vice president, becomes the first American to head AWA, a subsidiary of Japan-based Aisin Group. AWA is responsible for OE and aftermarket sales and marketing in North America and Latin America.

Whitsitt replaces Junichi Nishimura, who returns to Japan as senior managing director of Aisin Seiki, and is now responsible for global sales. Nishimura, who was also appointed to the Aisin Seiki Board of Directors, remains a member of the AWA Board of Directors.

As president, Whitsitt is responsible for all aspects of AWA, including sales and sales-related functions for original equipment and aftermarket products, and research and development. He will also oversee the sales operation of AWA's offices in Chicago, Cincinnati, OH, and Torrance, CA, and logistics operations in Detroit, Los Angeles and Loredo, TX.

A 30-year automotive industry veteran, Whitsitt earned a bachelor of science degree in engineering technology from Purdue University. He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, the Automotive Hall of Fame Board of Directors and the Original Equipment Suppliers Association's Sales and Marketing Council. Whitsitt resides in Saline, MI, with his wife, Claudia, and youngest daughter, Jenna.

For more information about Aisin World Corp. of America, go to: http://www.aisinworld.com.