SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Federal-Mogul President and CEO Jose Maria Alapont was recently presented with Northwood University’s 2012 Outstanding Business Leader Award, which recognizes a select group of men and women for their business achievements. Alapont received the award at Northwood’s Outstanding Business Leader Awards Gala on Jan. 21. 
"The Northwood University recognition is a great honor, and I would like to congratulate all the current and previous distinguished honorees. I would also like to share this award with all of the people who supported me throughout my professional career at Ford, Valeo, General Motors, Delphi, Fiat-IVECO and Federal-Mogul," said Alapont. "Driving leadership and innovation is the fundamental basis to develop world-class companies capable of generating sustainable global profitable growth. The best way to achieve this is to support and strengthen our collaboration with the universities and centers of knowledge for the future."
Federal-Mogul has partnered with Northwood on various initiatives under Alapont’s leadership, engaging students in various mentoring activities, such as participation in business and industry events and executive participation on the University’s Aftermarket Advisory Council.
"Federal-Mogul has been a strong supporter of Northwood University’s automotive programs and the university’s mission to develop the future leaders of a global, free-enterprise society," said Northwood President and CEO Keith Pretty. "Through the years, Federal-Mogul and Northwood have worked closely together to promote awareness and growth of the aftermarket industry. We’re pleased to bestow this honor on Mr. Alapont for his many contributions."
Alapont is a member of the board of directors of Mentor Graphics and provides valuable guidance to the boards of automotive supplier trade associations and economic development groups in the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific countries.
In addition to being recognized by Northwood University as an Outstanding Business Leader, Alapont was honored in 2011 as a Leader in Innovation by Philadelphia University for his personal accomplishments and for exemplifying the spirit of innovation and the university’s mission. Alapont was also honored by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2010 with an award that recognizes business leaders for their leadership and service as a business role model. In 2002, he received the Executive of the Year award from Auto Revista magazine for his role in successfully developing, growing and diversifying the company’s global business.
Northwood’s Class of 2012 Outstanding Business Leaders also includes:
• Keith Crain, Chairman, Crain Communications
• Valerie Freeman, Founder, Imprimis Group, Inc.
• Jerome Fullinwider, Founder and Vice Chairman, Hillwood International Energy
• Peter Georgescu, Chairman Emeritus of Young & Rubicam, Inc.
• John Hantz, President and CEO of Hantz Group Inc.
• Mike Jackson, CEO of AutoNation
• Mary Ellen Sheets, Founder of Two Men and a Truck/International, Inc.
• Neal Williams Sr., Chairman, N. A. Williams Co.
