AUTO MONITOR:
James Kamsickas is New IAC Global CEO

International Automotive Components (IAC) Group has appointed James K Kamsickas as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Kamsickas previously served as global co-chief executive officer and president of North America and Asia. He takes over from Jens Hohnel, who served as global co-chief executive offi cer and president of Europe and retires after more than 40 years in the automotive and vehicle interiors supplier industry. Hohnel will continue with the organization in a special advisory role until April 2013 to ensure a smooth transition.

Playing The Key Role
Kamsickas and Hohnel have successfully helped to establish and secure IAC Group’s position as a leading Tier I supplier. In addition to executing numerous major acquisitions and integrations of distressed companies related to the founding and growth of IAC Group’s global operations, Kamsickas effectively guided IAC Group through the 2008-2009 economic crisis in North America. During this time, IAC Group played a key role in consolidating the North American automotive interior supply space. Also, he initiated the company’s expansion in Asia, creating regional headquarters, technical centres and new manufacturing facilities in three of the continent’s largest countries.

The Leader
Previously the head of Lear Corporation’s Interior Systems Division, which became IAC Group North American and Asian operations in 2007, Kamsickas held a number of leadership roles within the organisation, including as a vice president in its GM, Ford and Chrysler customer divisions and vice president of operations of Lear’s Seating, Electrical and Interiors divisions. Also, he served in several key positions in the development of Lear’s European operations, including international assignments in Germany, Sweden and Austria.

About IAC
Since the creation of IAC Group Europe in 2006, Hohnel was instrumental in the company’s formation, including the successful integration of multiple strategic acquisitions in Europe and subsequent success through the 2010 consolidation of the company’s regional operations into one global organisation. IAC Group is a leading global supplier of interior and exterior trim. Its 2011 sales were $4.4 billion. The company operates 76 manufacturing facilities in 15 countries. IAC employs approximately 23,000 people around the world and is headquartered in Luxembourg. IAC has one technical/ engineering centre in Hinjewadi, Pune, India. Additionally, the company operates three manufacturing facilities in Chakan, Pune and Manesar, Haryana. IAC has approximately 600 employees in India.

This is a magazine article published in Auto Monitor.