VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Visteon has named Michael Sharnas to the position of vice president and general counsel, with responsibility for the company's global legal activities. He replaces John Donofrio, who is leaving Visteon to pursue another opportunity.

Sharnas joined Visteon in 2002 as associate general counsel and has served as assistant general counsel since 2005.

"Mike is highly capable and respected, and we are pleased to have a talented leader with his experience assuming this key role, providing a smooth transition during an important period for the company," said Visteon chairman and CEO Donald Stebbins. "John Donofrio made many contributions to Visteon and we wish him well in his new endeavors."

Sharnas has a bachelor's degree in political science from The Citadel in South Carolina and a juris doctorate degree from Case Western Reserve School of Law in Cleveland, Ohio.