Automotive Executive of the Year Award

The Automotive Executive of the Year Award recognizes excellence in leadership and innovation within the automotive industry. Since being launched in 1964, the award has been given to top auto executives, including: James O'Sullivan (2009), Carroll Shelby

Carroll Shelby

Carroll Hall Shelby, is an American racing and automotive designer and former racing driver.-Automotive Executive of the Year Award - 2008 Honoree:...

 (2008), Jim Press

Jim Press

James E. Press is currently Deputy CEO of Chrysler Group LLC and has been since June 2009.Previously, Mr. Press served as Co-President of Chrysler LLC, President of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and Daimler AG. He served as President of Sales & Marketing Operations of Chrysler LLC between...

 (2007), Bill Ford (2006), Dieter Zetsche

Dieter Zetsche

Dr. Dieter Zetsche is a German businessman and the Chairman of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars since 2006 as well as member of the company's Board of Management since 1998....

 (2003), Rick Wagoner

Rick Wagoner

George Richard "Rick" Wagoner, Jr. is an American businessman and former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors. Wagoner resigned as Chairman and CEO at General Motors on March 29, 2009, at the request of the White House...

 (2001), Jac Nasser (1999), Robert Eaton (1997), Thomas Stallkamp (1996), Roger Smith

Roger Smith

Roger Smith may refer to:*Roger Smith , American television and film actor and screenwriter*Roger Smith , English soccer player*Roger Smith , Bahamian tour tennis player...

 (1984), Lee Iacocca

Lee Iacocca

Lido Anthony "Lee" Iacocca is an American businessman known for his revival of the Chrysler Corporation in the 1980s, serving as President and CEO from 1978 and additionally as chairman from 1979, until his retirement at the end of 1992. One of the most famous business people in the world, he was...

 (1983), Bob Lund (1980), Henry Ford II

Henry Ford II

Henry Ford II , commonly known as "HF2" and "Hank the Deuce", was the son of Edsel Ford and grandson of Henry Ford...

 (1973) and John DeLorean (1972).

Each honoree is nominated by an Advisory Committee of automotive journalists, representatives from the supplier community and industry analysts. Automotive Executive of the Year nomination criteria include entrepreneurial and creative thinking, exemplary leadership and professional integrity. Nominations are not directly linked to company performance or individual popularity. In some cases, the Advisory Committee may elect to give a Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring cumulative innovation and leadership.

The Automotive Executive of the Year Award is presented to an annual honoree during an invitation-only luncheon held at the Detroit Athletic Club

Detroit Athletic Club

The Detroit Athletic Club, sometimes called the DAC, is an athletic club in the heart of Detroit's theater, sports, and entertainment district designed by Albert Kahn and inspired by Rome's Palazzo Farnese. Clubs of this type usually maintain reciprocal agreements for their members worldwide...

 in downtown Detroit, Mich. The historic DAC has served as the event venue since 1964.

Each honoree is presented with the DNV Navigator Award, an authentic working brass nautical compass (approximately 10 x 10 inches) enclosed in a teak wood box. The compass symbolizes the significance of navigation throughout the challenges of industry leadership. In addition, honorees are presented with an original watercolor portrait created by Michigan artist, Werner Claussen.

Award Sponsors

The Award is sponsored by the Automotive Industry Action Group

Automotive Industry Action Group

Automotive Industry Action Group also known as AIAG http://www.aiag.org is a not-for profit association based in Southfield, Michigan originally created to develop recommendations and a framework for the improvement of quality in the North American Automotive Industry...The organization was founded...

 (AIAG) and DNV Certification (Det Norske Veritas). AIAG is a not-for-profit organization where OEMs and suppliers unite and address to resolve issues affecting the worldwide automotive supply chain. Headquartered in metro Detroit, member companies include North American, European and Asia-Pacific Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers.

DNV is a global services provider for management system certification to TS 16949, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, and other national and international standards. other services include training, CE Mark, product certification and climate change services.

Award History

Click here for a complete list of winners Automotive of the Year Award Past Winners