LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Tenneco Inc. has appointed Brian Kesseler as its new chief operating officer, effective Jan. 12. Kesseler replaces Hari Nair, who has announced his retirement from the company. Nair’s retirement is effective March 31, following a transition period.
Kesseler, 48, is president of Johnson Controls Power Solutions, where he leads a $6 billion global business, supplying more than one-third of the world’s conventional batteries to original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket. His global responsibilities include strategy development, financial performance, manufacturing operations and technology initiatives.
He is a member of the Johnson Controls executive operating team and serves as the executive sponsor of Johnson Controls’ Global Manufacturing Operations Council, providing leadership to achieve operational excellence across the Johnson Controls global enterprise.
Kesseler joined Johnson Controls in 1994 and has served in leadership roles of increasing responsibility in the company’s Automotive Experience and Building Efficiency businesses before assuming his current role in 2013. Prior to Johnson Controls, he worked at Ford Motor Co. in the North America Assembly Operations.
“I sincerely thank Hari Nair for his outstanding service to Tenneco. During his tenure, Tenneco has generated significant growth, improved operationally and successfully entered new markets that are key to our future success,” said Gregg Sherrill, chairman and CEO, Tenneco. “With Hari’s decision to retire, I am very pleased that Brian Kesseler is joining Tenneco in this critical role and I look forward to his leadership. He brings excellent global experience and a proven record of driving growth, improving customer satisfaction and delivering shareholder value.”
Nair, 55, has been serving as Tenneco’s chief operating officer since 2010. He has played an important role in developing and implementing strategies for revenue growth while driving profitability improvement. He has been instrumental in the company’s expansion in emerging markets, continued growth in mature markets, global integration across the businesses and continuous operational improvement company-wide.
Concurrent with his retirement from Tenneco, Nair is stepping down from his position on the Tenneco Board of Directors, a position he has held since 2009. The board change is effective immediately.
