Global Automakers Association taps new chief

The Association of Global Automakers has tapped a new president.

Cerberus Operations and Advisory Company Senior Operations Officer John Bozzella will take the wheel for the automakers’ association from Michael Stanton, the group announced on Friday.

Stanton has been at the helm of the association for the last eight years.

{mosads}Bozzella is a former executive with Chrysler and Ford Motor Company. The automakers’ alliance said it was glad to hand its keys to him.

“John’s proven leadership and extensive experience with automotive public policy issues make him a natural choice to take the helm at Global Automakers,” Global Automakers Board of Directors Chairman Jim Lentz, who is also chief executive officer of Toyota North America, said in a statement.

“We are confident he will successfully advance our members’ efforts to foster an open and competitive automotive marketplace that encourages investment, job growth, and innovation,” Lentz continued.

Bozzella said he was equally excited about the new opportunity that is being presented to him.

“I am honored to have been chosen to lead this exceptional organization,” Bozzella said. “Global Automakers has evolved in its 50 year history to reflect the growth of international automakers that now provide mobility to millions of Americans through trusted brands and hundreds of thousands of great jobs across our nation. For a car guy like me, it’s great to come back and to do my part to support a vibrant, innovative and competitive U.S. auto industry.”

Stanton said it was “bittersweet to walk away from my 35-year career in the auto industry, capped by the last eight years at Global Automakers.”

But the ongoing Global Automakers’ chief praised the selection of his successor.

“The Board of Directors made a great decision to hire John and I am confident the association is in good hands,” Stanton said in a statement.