Ken Way Named Automotive Interior Industry Leader of the Year By Inside Automotives International
15 August 1997
Ken Way Named Automotive Interior Industry Leader of the Year By Inside Automotives International
DETROIT, Aug. 15 -- Inside Automotives International magazine
has named Ken Way, chairman and CEO of Lear Corporation , Interior
Industry Leader of the Year.
At a luncheon held at the Detroit Athletic Club August 13 and attended by
over 170 automotive industry executives, Carla Kalogeridis, Co-Publisher and
Editorial Director of Inside Automotives International, said, "Ken Way is a
testimony to what hard work and commitment to a vision can do. Perhaps most
admirable, he's the type of leader that won't take credit for what he believes
takes a team to accomplish."
Although Inside Automotives International editors had the final vote, much
consideration was given to surveyed readers of the publication, a group
composed of both OEMs and suppliers alike. Kalogeridis says Way was the clear
choice for this year's inaugural award.
Governor John Engler issued an Executive Commendation and Proclamation for
Way, calling on all citizens of Michigan to recognize Way for his achievement
as Interior Industry Leader of the Year.
In accepting the award, Way attributed much of his and Lear's success to
their corporate ethic. "We at Lear don't ever forget who the customer is," he
said. "We don't let ourselves become enamored with our success, because
that's when we get into trouble."
During the ceremony, Kalogeridis asked all Lear associates in the audience
to stand and be recognized. "You've come here today to honor your leader, but
you, too, deserve credit for what Lear Corporation has accomplished in the
automotive interior market."
Several dignitaries and special guests were in attendance, including:
Louise Linder, Director, Interior Quality and Supplier Management, Chrysler
Corporation; Bill Sivy, Purchasing Manager for Interior Commodity, Ford Motor
Co.; Bob Socia, Executive Director, Worldwide Purchasing, General Motors;
Janice Smith, Director, Executive Communications, General Motors; James Henry,
Dean, Eli Broad College of Business, Michigan State University; and Donald F.
Fracassi, Mayor of the city of Southfield, where Lear has its corporate
headquarters.
"I'm truly touched that all of you have come today on my behalf," Way told
the audience. "The prestigious group assembled here speaks to the vibrancy of
the automotive interior market and the vision of Inside Automotives
International in being the first to recognize interiors as its own automotive
niche.
"The name of the game is really teamwork," he concluded, "We wouldn't be
where we are today without the creativity and commitment of all the Tier 2, 3,
and 4 suppliers in this audience, and, of course, the opportunity presented to
us by our valued OEM customers."
Inside Automotives International is the only North America publication
dedicated exclusively to the automotive interior market. Subscriptions and
other information are available from the publication's website
"http://www.insideautomotives.com," or by calling 248-746-9940 (fax 248-746-9941).
SOURCE Inside Automotives International