Cabassol is New Managing Director at GKN Driveline

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 26 -- Philippe Cabassol has been named GKN Driveline's managing director - Operations, Americas.

Cabassol replaces Richard Best, recently named strategic director for global projects, and will report to Ian Griffiths, managing director, GKN Driveline.

Prior to joining GKN, Cabassol worked at Valeo for eight years in various management positions, most recently as general manager of motors and actuators in North America. He also served in senior positions as managing director of Valeo's climate controls and engine cooling operations in both Mexico and North America.

In addition, he has held management positions with major automakers including Renault in the U.K. and France, and at American Motors Corporation and Chrysler Corporation in the U.S.

Cabassol's experience also includes two years as a consultant with PHCC Inc. Consulting Group, helping U.S. and European automotive suppliers to develop business strategies under the North American Free Trade Agreement.

He has a bachelor's degree in economics and administration from the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina and a master's degree from the University of Cordoba in Argentina.

GKN is one of the world's leading suppliers of vehicle driveline products and systems and has a commanding 42 percent share of the market for constant velocity jointed (CVJ) sideshafts. The company is a global enterprise, headquartered in the United Kingdom. It recorded total sales of $3 billion in 2003. GKN Driveline has grown steadily and continuously through organic growth and acquisitions throughout the world. The company currently has 21,000 people working at 49 locations in 31 countries.

Additional information is available at http://www.gknplc.com/ .