SOUTHFIELD, MI — Federal-Mogul Corp. has just announced that Jose Maria Alapont has been chosen to be the new president and CEO of the company. The appointment was authorized by the court presiding over Federal-Mogul’s Chapter 11 proceedings. Alapont also will join the board of directors of Federal-Mogul.
Alapont, who served as CEO of IVECO, the commercial vehicle company of the Fiat Group, will replace Robert “Steve” Miller, who has been serving as interim CEO of Federal-Mogul since January 2004. Miller will continue to serve as chairman of Federal-Mogul’s board of directors.
“Mr. Alapont’s appointment culminates an extensive search for the chief executive officer to lead Federal-Mogul into the future,” said Miller. “Mr. Alapont possesses every one of the characteristics Federal-Mogul requires from a CEO — dynamic leadership skills, broad global automotive experience, a vast knowledge of technology and strong customer relationships. Mr. Alapont’s extensive experience in engineering, operations, strategic planning, and the global market will serve Federal-Mogul well as it continues to improve its financial performance and grow its competitive advantage.”
Alapont brings to Federal-Mogul more than 30 years of leadership experience in both the automotive manufacturer and supplier industries. As CEO of IVECO, he ran one of the world’s largest manufacturers in the transport sector. During his tenure there, the company consistently achieved profitable sales growth and efficiency gains.
“I look forward to leading Federal-Mogul — a company with more than 100 years of rich automotive history,” Alapont said. “The opportunities that lie ahead for Federal-Mogul are exciting. The company is well positioned for success given its commitment to technology, engineering excellence and innovation in addition to its broad product offerings and trusted brands. I am proud to join the dedicated workforce committed to creating value for our customers and stakeholders.”
Alapont joined Delphi Automotive Systems in 1997. Between 1997 and 2003, he served in a number of key positions. Alapont began his career at Delphi as executive director, Energy and Engine Management Systems. Soon after, he was appointed president, Europe, Asia and Middle East, at which time he became a member of the Delphi Strategy Board, the company’s top policy-making group. When he left in 2003, he was president of International Operations and vice president of Sales and Marketing.
From 1990 to 1997, Alapont served in several senior leadership roles at Valeo. He began at Valeo as operations director of Engine Cooling Systems – Spain, and thereafter became operations director for Worldwide Heavy Duty Engine Cooling Systems. He was subsequently appointed group vice president of Worldwide Clutch Operations, and then group vice president of Worldwide Lighting Systems.
Alapont began his automotive career at Ford Motor Co. in 1974 and over the course of 15 years worked in increasingly more responsible positions — from engineer at Ford of Spain to power train manager at Ford of Europe.
Commenting on the appointment, Carl Icahn, Federal-Mogul’s largest bondholder, stated: “I was proud to be part of the search process for the new CEO, and believe that a man with Mr. Alapont’s record and experience will prove to be a vital addition to Federal-Mogul and will help Federal-Mogul reach its great potential.”
For more information about Federal-Mogul, go to: www.federal-mogul.com.
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