Delphi Taps Ron Pirtle to Lead Powertrain Division; James Bertrand to Succeed Pirtle as President of Delphi Thermal

Delphi Corp. has announced changes in the top leadership of its Powertrain and Thermal Divisions. Ronald Pirtle has been named president of Delphi Powertrain and president of the company's European Operations. He succeeds Guy Hachey, who is leaving the company to pursue another opportunity. Pirtle, who had been president of Delphi Thermal, will relocate to Luxembourg and will continue to report to Delphi CEO and President Rodney O'Neal. James Bertrand succeeds Pirtle as president of Delphi Thermal and also maintains his current responsibilities as president of the company's Automotive Holdings Group (AHG). Both divisions are headquartered in Southeast Michigan. Bertrand will continue to report to O'Neal as well.

TROY, Mich. — Delphi Corp. has announced changes in the top leadership of its Powertrain and Thermal Divisions.

Ronald Pirtle has been named president of Delphi Powertrain and president of the company’s European Operations. He succeeds Guy Hachey, who is leaving the company to pursue another opportunity. Pirtle, who had been president of Delphi Thermal, will relocate to Luxembourg and will continue to report to Delphi CEO and President Rodney O’Neal.

James Bertrand succeeds Pirtle as president of Delphi Thermal and also maintains his current responsibilities as president of the company’s Automotive Holdings Group (AHG). Both divisions are headquartered in Southeast Michigan. Bertrand will continue to report to O’Neal as well.

"We wish Guy well in his next endeavors and are proud of his tenure as a member of the Delphi leadership team," said Rodney O’Neal, CEO and president of Delphi and a member of the company’s Board of Directors. "With the experience and leadership of both Ron and Jim, the transition will be a smooth one."

"Delphi Powertrain has solidified its business model and operations with its move to Europe in 2006 and Ron will continue to drive growth in our fuel handling, diesel and engine management systems globally. At AHG, most of the work necessary to streamline our portfolio and wind down or sell the operations has been completed or is targeted for completion this year, allowing Jim to concentrate fully on the growth and objectives for Delphi Thermal’s core and new markets businesses," O’Neal added.

Both executives remain members of the Delphi Strategy Board, the company’s top policy-making group. Their appointments are effective May 1.

Pirtle, 53, has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry and has held a variety of assignments in engineering, finance and operations. He has served as the president of Delphi Thermal for 12 years.

Bertrand, 50, has 29 years of service with the company and has a wealth of international experience, with assignments in Canada, Europe and Asia. He has held a variety of assignments in engineering, finance and operations and has served as president of two of Delphi’s divisions.