Frank Ervin III has been named to the newly created position of group vice president – government affairs at the Piston Group.

In this new role, Ervin will be responsible for the Piston Group’s government relations and economic development activities and will report to the group’s Chief Operating and Financial Officer Amit Singhi.

He most recently served as vice president of specialized MBE Services at the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council and previously had been senior director – government affairs at Magna International.

“We’ve followed Frank’s career for a number of years and know the value he’s brought to other companies,” said Vinnie Johnson, Piston Group chairman and CEO. “His background includes work on a worldwide basis with major carmakers and automotive suppliers. He’s a great addition to the Piston Group of companies.”

Singhi noted that Ervin has more than 35 years of executive experience in the global automotive supply industry, including positions in governmental affairs, supply-chain management, factory automation and fleet sales.

“Frank Ervin has successfully addressed government relations challenges and business issues at state, national and international levels throughout his career,” said Singhi. “He has an extraordinary network of contacts among government officials and business leaders not only in the United States, but also in Mexico, Europe, Latin America and the Asia Pacific region.”

Ervin has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia, and a master’s degree in international business from Chelsea College in London. He also is a Vietnam veteran with service in the U.S. Navy.

The new Piston Group executive has held board positions with a variety of organizations, including the Southeastern Michigan United Way and the Organization for International Investment. He also serves as the chairman of the Advocacy Committee at MICHauto, which is part of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce.