TROY, Mich. – Meritor has appointed Mikel Slater to the position of vice president, Business Unit/Functional Human Resources and Talent Acquisition, effective May 1.
In this position, Slater is responsible for leading the Human Resources (HR) team directly in support of Meritor’s business segments, as well as all staff functions. Additionally, he is responsible for the company’s talent acquisition activities.
"Mikel has played an integral role in the development and execution of Meritor’s human resource policies and programs," said Larry Ott, senior vice president, Human Resources, Meritor. "His knowledge and background will provide his team the strategic direction needed to implement Meritor’s global HR strategy."
Prior to taking on this new role, Slater was senior director, Global Human Resources. He joined Meritor in October 2000. Prior to joining Meritor, he held positions of increasing responsibility at MichCon (now DTE Energy).
Slater holds a bachelor of science in organizational communications and marketing from Eastern Michigan University and a master of science in organizational management and human resources from the University of Phoenix.
Meritor also has appointed Tim Burns to the position of vice president and general manager, Defense & Specialty, Industrial, effective immediately.
In this position, Burns is responsible for the planning, organization, and execution of all strategies and policies for the defense and specialty businesses.
"Tim is a fantastic leader with a wealth of experience," said Pedro Ferro, president, Industrial, Meritor. "He has an extensive background in strategic planning, program management and sales and service, which makes him an ideal candidate to lead these growing businesses."
Previously, he was vice president, Global Defense. Burns has been with Meritor and its predecessor companies for 30 years, holding various positions within Rockwell Aerospace & Electronics, the former aircraft business unit, with increasing responsibilities in the areas of industrial engineering, contract administration and contract and pricing management.
Burns completed studies at Columbus State University in aeronautical engineering, and airframe and power plant maintenance. He also attended Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Mich., and completed management programs at George Washington University and the United States Air Force Institute of Technology. He serves on the board of directors for the Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Center.
