Johnson Controls Promotes Two Executives In Its Automotive Business

Johnson Controls has appointed two top executives to new leadership positions within its automotive group, which is one of the world's largest suppliers of automotive interiors and batteries. Byron Foster has been appointed group vice president and general manager, customer business units -- North America. Carolyn Woznicki has been appointed vice president of purchasing -- North America.

PLYMOUTH, MI — Johnson Controls has appointed two top executives to new leadership positions within its automotive group, which is one of the world’s largest suppliers of automotive interiors and batteries.

Byron Foster has been appointed group vice president and general manager, customer business units — North America. In this post, he will oversee Johnson Controls’ automotive interiors business serving North American-based customers, including the Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors. He will report to Brian Kesseler, group vice president and general manager, North America, and will be based at Johnson Controls’ Plymouth, Mich., technical campus.

During the past year, Foster served as group vice president and general manager, planning — North America. Prior to that, he was vice president and general manager of the SLI (starting, lighting and ignition) battery business; managing director, Mercedes-Benz Business Unit; plant manager at a Belcamp, Maryland seat manufacturing facility; and director of strategic planning.

Prior to joining Johnson Controls, Foster was a senior associate with Booz Allen and Hamilton.

Carolyn Woznicki has been appointed vice president of purchasing — North America. In this role, she has the responsibility of leading purchasing activities within the region. She will also report to Kesseler and will be based in the Plymouth office.

In 2004, Woznicki served as vice president, customer business unit (CBU) strategies. She was responsible for managing CBU strategy and CBU global change initiatives.

Prior to that she was vice president and general manager of the company’s Ford Business Unit — North America; managing director in the company’s DaimlerChrysler Business Unit, and executive director of purchasing in the General Motors Business Unit. Prior to joining Johnson Controls in 1998, Woznicki spent 18 years at General Motors working in a variety of positions.

According to the company these two new assignments are part of Johnson Controls’ efforts to realign resources for enhanced customer service.

For more information about Johnson Controls, go to: www.johnsoncontrols.com.

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