Johnson Controls Appoints Executives to New Management Roles
14 October 1999
Johnson Controls Appoints Executives to New Management Roles
PLYMOUTH, Mich., Oct. 14 -- Automotive interior supplier
Johnson Controls announced the appointment of two top executives
to new positions, effective immediately. Jim Geschke was appointed vice
president of electronics integration. Larry Fieroh was named executive
director of advanced sales.
"The promotions of Jim Geschke and Larry Fieroh strengthen our company's
commitment to customer satisfaction, innovation and quality," said Mike Suman,
group vice president of advanced sales, marketing and business development -
worldwide for Johnson Controls. "These executives are taking on new roles to
help us maintain our leadership position as the top supplier of innovative
interiors in the automotive industry."
In his new position, Geschke is responsible for developing new electronics
opportunities for the future, as well as strengthening relationships with
electronic suppliers in Europe and North America. He will report to Nate
Young, group vice president - product development, marketing, planning and
industrial design - worldwide and Suman.
For the past two years, Geschke served as director of global business
development and product planning. He joined the company in 1992 as chief
engineer of electronics. Prior to that, Geschke was employed by Kantus, an
interior trim and electronics supplier. He began his professional career with
Chrysler Corp. where he held various management positions of increasing
responsibility during his 14 years at the automaker.
Geschke holds six patents for interior electrical and electronics. He
earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Wayne State
University, and a master's degree in business administration from University
of Detroit Mercy.
Fieroh has served as executive director of seat systems marketing and
product development since 1997. He was instrumental in the development and
marketing of Johnson Controls' innovative PlaySeat(R) activity center. Fieroh
now is responsible for worldwide marketing activities for seating systems. He
will report to Suman.
Before being named executive director, Fieroh served as director of sales
for the company's General Motors Business Unit. Prior to that he was director
of sales for the Ford Business Unit.
Fieroh joined Johnson Controls in 1992, after gaining 16 years of
experience in sales and marketing management at Borg-Warner Automotive. He
earned a bachelor's degree in business/finance from Carthage College in
Kenosha, Wisconsin and a master's degree in administration from Central
Michigan University.
The Plymouth, Michigan-based automotive business of Johnson Controls
employs more than 57,000 people at 275 facilities worldwide. In 1999, it will
supply interior products for more than 22 million vehicles. The automotive
business achieved US$9.3 billion in sales for the 1998 fiscal year.
Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global market leader in automotive systems and
facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major
supplier of seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential
facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services,
energy management and integrated facility management. Johnson Controls,
founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its sales for 1998
totaled US$12.6 billion.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos of Jim Geschke and Larry Fieroh can be obtained
by calling Dave Roznowski at 734-254-5632.
CONTACT: David Roznowski of Johnson Controls, Inc., 734-254-5632.
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