Ken Baker Becomes New President and CEO of ERIM
8 November 1999
Ken Baker Becomes New President and CEO of ERIM
ANN ARBOR, Mich.--Nov. 8, 1999--The Environmental Research Institute of Michigan (ERIM), a preeminent international research institute located in Ann Arbor, announced the election of Kenneth R. Baker as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of its board.The appointment is effective November 15, 1999. Prior to joining ERIM, Baker spent 30 years at General Motors Corporation in a variety of positions, including key management responsibilities, and, more recently, held the position of vice chairman and chief operating officer of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
ERIM is a not-for-profit, scientific research and development organization with a distinguished 50-year history. ERIM earned its worldwide reputation for scientific research and development in remote sensing, image processing and geographical information systems.
Douglas Van Houweling, chairman of ERIM's Board of Trustees, said, "We are absolutely delighted to have Mr. Baker join ERIM. This is a vision- and strategy-critical time for ERIM and we look forward to Ken leading our institution into the next century. The recent sale of our major subsidiary, ERIM International, has provided us with a substantial endowment. This will allow us to chart a new course based on technical excellence, strong relationships, national and international teamwork and value creation. Ken Baker has demonstrated leadership in all these areas throughout his career."
At General Motors, Baker held several senior level posts in vehicle engineering and advanced technology. His accomplishments included bringing to market such advanced technologies as re-configurable displays, interactive automotive telecommunications, active suspension and turbo-charged engines. He also successfully restructured one of the automaker's product engineering divisions from a function-based operation to a customer-focused platform team.
In 1990, Baker directed the development and launch of the General Motors EV (Electric Vehicle). From 1990-1993, he garnered the critical support of government, industry and the environmental and scientific communities needed to launch the new EV technology. From 1993-1998, Baker served as Vice President-Research and Development, spearheading the realignment of GM's R&D strategies around the world. This resulted in a significant increase in GM's patented product innovations. In 1996, he was recognized by the City of Los Angeles for outstanding engineering contributions to the environment, and in 1997, A. D. Little named him one of the World's Top 25 R&D Managers.
Earlier this year, Baker became Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. He is credited with helping the technology-rich company focus on targeted lines of business. Baker will continue as an ECD board member.
"The opportunity to create and lead a new era in the rich history of one of the world's most prestigious research institutions is a compelling opportunity, one I can passionately embrace," said Baker. "In many respects, my life's work has prepared me to formulate a new vision for ERIM and to build the team and the technological excellence to fulfill that vision.
"I believe ERIM can make the world a better place and make a real contribution to society."
ERIM's legacy as a scientific research and development organization provides the foundation for its new strategic thrust toward the advancement of information technologies such as the Internet and collaborative software. ERIM has developed information management and technologies that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of complex, multi-level organizations. ERIM's web site is www.erim.org.