Dayco has announced that Charles “Charlie” Baker has joined the company as senior vice president of research, development and engineering (RD&E) and program management.
Baker brings more than 35 years of experience in product development, program management and engineering to Dayco. He will lead Dayco to further develop and implement technology and product platforms designed to improve performance, generate growth opportunities and exceed both customer and company requirements.
Before joining Dayco, Baker served as executive director of product marketing for General Motors’ (GM) Gem program, a portfolio of vehicles for China, Brazil, Mexico and other global markets. He was responsible for crafting a winning strategy focused on the customer as well as efficiency of development and capital for this portfolio of vehicles.
Prior to this, he held executive leadership positions in engineering and product development at Honda Motor Co., Johnson Controls and Harley-Davidson. Baker led five vehicle developments at Honda as chief engineer, including the award-winning 2001 Acura MDX as well as development of the 2003 Honda Accord in Japan. He eventually had overall responsibility for vehicle development in North America as vice president of Honda R&D Americas.
“We are very excited to have Charlie Baker join Dayco in the role of senior vice president of RD&E and Program Management,” said John Bohenick, CEO for Dayco. “I have known Charlie my entire career starting with both of us working at General Motors. I have learned a lot from him and his passion for engineering, his high-intensity level and his personal care for quality of work, balanced with time to laugh and enjoy life, will be a valuable addition to Dayco. I look forward to his leadership to continue to drive innovation and excellence in our global RD&E and disciplined program management focused on flawless launches.”
Baker earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with an electrical engineering minor from the General Motors Institute (now Kettering University). He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Michigan, and holds patents in engine, seat and infotainment design.
