ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — Global automotive supplier Webasto AG has appointed Brett Healy as president and CEO of its North American subsidiary, Webasto Roof Systems, Inc. (WRSI), effective Jan. 1, 2008. He succeeds Fred Olson who, after 10 years of leading WRSI, will retire, on Dec. 31.
Healy has been with WRSI since 1984 and has held progressively more responsible positions, most recently as vice president business development and program management.
"We are confident that Brett will lead WRSI to continued profitable growth," said Franz-Josef Kortuem, chairman of the Management Board of Webasto AG. "We anticipate expansion particularly through innovation in areas such as convertible tops and tailgates. Just as importantly, he will lead his team in further improving WRSI’s cost structure and competitive position."
Olson will continue to serve on WRSI’s Board of Directors.
"Fred has successfully led WRSI through a period of unprecedented profitable growth. We are very grateful for his leadership in the last 10 years," said Kortuem. "During Mr. Olson’s tenure WRSI has opened five new facilities, become the market leader in roof systems in North America and our revenue has grown from $150 million to more than $400 million."
In other appointments announced concurrently, Andreas Weller was named vice president business development, replacing Healy. Weller previously led WRSI’s sales activities for General Motors and WRSI’s marketing efforts. He has also held the position of business development director for WRSI’s Ford business prior to assuming responsibility for its GM account.
In addition, Greg Brown expands his current role as director business development for Chrysler. He has been appointed as director business development for General Motors and Chrysler.
For more information about Webasto Roof Systems, visit: www.webasto.com.