Johnson Controls Names Automotive Executives

PLYMOUTH, Mich. and MILWAUKEE, Sept. 17 -- Johnson Controls today announced new executive assignments for its interiors and battery businesses. All three will report to Keith Wandell, president of the Automotive Group of Johnson Controls, Inc.

Jeff Edwards was named group vice president and general manager of North America/Japan. Mr. Edwards had been responsible for North American seating and interiors since August 2002. The company said he was given additional responsibility for Japan to ensure close coordination with and support for its Japanese customers.

Named as group vice president and managing director for Europe/Asia is Mike Lamach. His responsibility for the seating and interiors business includes the company's activities in Europe, South Africa, South America and Asia (excluding Japan). In addition to reporting to Mr. Wandell, he will also report to John Fiori, executive vice president and president, Johnson Controls International. Mr. Fiori continues to serve as a member of the office of the CEO, reporting to John Barth, president and CEO. Mr. Lamach previously had responsibility for the interiors business in Asia and Japan.

Gregg Sherrill was named group vice president and general manager of the Milwaukee-based battery business. Sherrill, who previously headed up the company's interiors business in Europe, South Africa and South America, will take on global responsibility for Johnson Controls' original equipment and replacement battery activities.

"This team will be working to extend and improve upon our track record for customer satisfaction, growth and profitability," said Keith Wandell. "I am confident that together we will help ensure that we will continue to deliver on our commitments to our customers, our shareholders and our employees."

Mr. Edwards joined Johnson Controls in 1984 and has held a number of North American manufacturing, engineering and customer management positions. Mr. Lamach joined the company in 1985 and has served in a variety of sales and general management positions with both the company's Automotive and Controls Groups. Mr. Sherrill came to Johnson Controls in 1998 as head of the interiors North American manufacturing operations after having spent 22 years at Ford Motor Co.

Johnson Controls is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of integrated seating and interior systems, and batteries. For nonresidential facilities, Johnson Controls provides control systems and services including comfort, energy and security management. Johnson Controls , founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.