In December 2021, the company formerly known as BorgWarner’s North American Controls was acquired by Atar Capital and renamed Solero Technologies. Now, the leading global supplier of transmission solenoids, engine solenoids, stop-start accumulators, and hydraulic control modules is continuing to make changes to its company. Dr. Donald R. James has been hired as the company’s new CEO. Leading two cities, including Detroit, Dr. James’ resume comes with extensive knowledge and expertise in his field.
As the newest CEO, Dr. James will oversee Solero Technologies’ sales and engineering center in Detroit, as well as manufacturing operations in Water Valley, Mississippi. He also will be responsible for the strategic direction of the company and ensuring long-term profitable growth. Dr. James will be based in Michigan with the team in Detroit.
Before Dr. James was hired into the CEO position, Ramzi Hermiz, a transformational automotive industry leader, served as interim CEO and will now continue with the company as a Board Director.
“Don’s years of success in business and technology along with his extensive automotive industry experience will make him a tremendous asset to the Solero Technologies team,” says Hermiz. “His expertise will be critical to driving greater innovation within Solero, expanding our reach to new markets and maintaining our commitment to sustainability.”
With more than 24 years of leadership experience in the automotive industry, both domestically and abroad, Dr. James has played a key role in helping to develop companies. Prior to joining Solero Technologies, he served as the president of the Americas and an executive committee member at Joyson Safety Systems. There, he facilitated the merger of Takata and Key Safety Systems into Joyson all while developing strategic initiatives to drive profitability and growth.
In addition, Don served in a variety of leadership positions at Continental AG in both North America and Europe; most recently as vice president of North America for the company’s Hydraulic Brake Systems. At Continental, he led the launch of new facilities in Mexico and established the company’s commercial vehicle market strategy leading to substantial market growth. He was awarded two Silver Awards; one for ‘Top Turnaround Project in North America’ and the other for ‘Excellence in Project Management & New Business Development’.
“With Solero’s strong reputation of product innovation and manufacturing, I am excited to work with our employees, customers, suppliers and community to elevate Solero’s product reach within and outside the automotive industry,” says Dr. James.
Laying the foundation for a successful career, Dr. James earned a bachelor’s in economics from the University of Michigan; and both a master’s in business administration and a doctorate in business administration and sustainability from Lawrence Technological University.
With more than 50 years of innovation, Solero Technologies continues to lead the charge in its industry. Using magnetics to create reliable and smooth mechanical motion of its products, the company plans to continue its push in the automotive industry as vehicles evolve.
Solero Technologies employs more than 450 individuals in both Water Valley and Detroit. It is the largest employer in Mississippi’s Yalobusha County, where the Water Valley facility resides. The award-winning company has also been honored with receiving the Automotive News PACE Innovation Partnership award, the highest accolade in the industry.
About Post Author
