Collins & Aikman Names Batey as President of European Automotive Interior Systems Division
26 July 2000
Collins & Aikman Names Batey as President of European Automotive Interior Systems Division
TROY, Mich. - Collins & Aikman Corporation today announced the appointment of Brian J. Batey as President of the Company's European Automotive Interior Systems Division. In making the announcement, Thomas E. Evans, Chairman and CEO, noted, "Securing a European automotive veteran like Batey to head up our European team is a strong testimony to our efforts in strengthening our global senior management team." Batey will report directly to the Chairman and CEO, and will serve on the Company's Strategy Board.Prior to joining Collins & Aikman, Batey was President of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company's European Sealing business (recently acquired from Standard Products Corporation) with manufacturing presence in the UK, France, Poland and South America.
Prior to working at Standard Products, Batey was Group Vice President for Lear Corporation's Italy, Eastern Europe and Fiat Divisions where he was responsible for the company's business activity in Italy, Poland, Russia and Turkey, as well as Fiat business worldwide. With strong leadership and insight into growing the business and implementing new operating philosophies, Batey substantially grew Lear's Brazil and Poland business and marketplace presence.
As president of European Automotive Interior Systems, Batey will be responsible for leading Collins & Aikman's European Operations and will be responsible for implementing strategies to increase overall profitability, market share and sales penetration, as well as playing a key role in increasing Collins & Aikman's global presence.
Prior to working at Lear, Batey was Vice President and General Manager for Rockwell Automotive, Europe/Asia Pacific, where he created a strong multi-national management team that turned around the profitability of that organization.
His extensive background at Rockwell Automotive Europe also included management positions in finance, materials and operation. At Rockwell, Batey reduced the company's reliance on its main customer, IVECO (Fiat), and effectively gained significant new business and profitable niche markets with Volvo, Renault, and Paccar. In addition, he developed and launched Rockwell's independent aftermarket program in Italy, France, the UK and Germany, resulting in a 40 percent increase in sales within two years. Batey also held financial positions with Leyland Cars, England, and Chrysler Corporation, Birmingham, England, prior to his time with Rockwell Automotive.
According to Evans, "As a demonstrated automotive veteran, Batey shares the enthusiasm of our entire Senior Management Team and has the Company's full support in growing our business not only in Europe, but in other world regions where Collins & Aikman can add value for its customers. His commitment, dedication and understanding of the European marketplace and its customers will further help us strengthen our position in providing leading-edge technologies to our customers worldwide."
Collins & Aikman Corporation is a global manufacturer of floor and acoustic systems and a leading supplier of automotive fabric, interior trim, and convertible top systems. The company's operations span the globe with 63 facilities and nearly 16,000 employees in 12 countries who are committed to achieving total excellence. Collins & Aikman's high-quality products combine industry-leading design and styling capabilities, superior manufacturing capabilities and the industry's most effective NVH "quiet" technologies.
