New Face at the Controls

Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions today announced the appointment of Mary Ann Wright as its chief executive officer.
Her appointment is effective March 1, 2007.
Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions (JCS) is the joint venture between Johnson Controls, Inc. and France based Saft Groupe SA, which is the exclusive entity by which the companies participate in the hybrid battery market.
Wright will be responsible for accelerating the growth and executing the launch of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle battery programs with emphasis on state of the art technology, manufacturing and electronics integration.
In addition to leading JCS, Ms. Wright will also assume the role of vice president and general manager, hybrid systems for Johnson Controls, Inc. She will report to Alex Molinaroli, President, Johnson Controls Power Solutions.
Wright most recently served as executive vice president engineering, product development, commercial and program management for Collins & Aikman Corporation since February 2006.
She began her career at Ford in 1988, holding a variety of positions in finance, product and business planning, and engineering.
She also played a major role in the launch of multiple vehicles at Ford including the initial Mercury Villager and Nissan Quest, and successive versions of the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.
“Mary Ann is a respected industry leader,” said Alex Molinaroli, president, Johnson Controls Power Solutions.
“She brings a thorough understanding of our customers’ needs in terms of product, process and program management.”
Wright has been recognized by Automotive News as one of the “Leading 100 Women in the Automotive Industry.” She earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Business from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan and a Master of Business Administration degree from Wayne State University.