Joe Hinrichs is a seasoned executive with over 30 years’ experience in the global automotive sector. In the capacity of a leader, board member and strategic advisor, he has participated in the industry’s transformation into a mobility ecosystem. This background, paired with his abundant business expertise, make Joe a rich resource for guidance on leadership in the evolving mobility industry.
Professional Focus
- More than 30 years’ experience in the automotive sector, including CEO and other senior executive roles as well as board memberships
- Accomplished leadership advisor to public and privately held organizations at all stages of development as well as PE/VC firms, specializing in mobility, automotive, technology
- Extensive international experience, having served in executive roles with oversight of operations in Asia Pacific/China, Europe, Latin America and Africa
Business Expertise
- Strategic Advisor to microDrive, startup micro-influencer marketing company, and Operating Advisor for Assembly Ventures, venture capital group focused on mobility
- Global President, Automotive at Ford Motor Company; prior roles over 19-year span included President, Global Operations; President, Americas; President, Asia Pacific & Africa; Chairman & CEO, Ford China; President & CEO, Ford Canada; Group Vice President, Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs; VP, North America Manufacturing; Executive Director, Global Material Planning & Logistics
- Partner and Senior Vice President at private equity firm Ryan Enterprises Group LLC
- Plant Manager, GM Powertrain at General Motors; additional roles in engineering and manufacturing
Sector Expertise
- Automotive
- Technology
- Manufacturing
Education & Certifications
- MBA from Harvard Business School
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (magna cum laude) from University of Dayton
- Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, Tiffin University
- Honorary Doctor of Science and Business Administration, Cleary University
Affiliations & Awards
- Board Chairman, Exide Technologies LLC, privately held battery company
- Board Member, WaveSense LLC, privately owned early stage tech firm
- Board Member, Rivian Automotive LLC (former)
- Board Member, Ford Motor Credit Company (former)
- Vice Chairman of the Board, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (former)
- JD Power Distinguished Service Award (2020)
- Automotive News All Star, Top Global Operations Executive (2019)
- Automotive News All Star, Manufacturing (2007)
- Shanghai Pudong Business Person of the Year (2013)
- Fortune Magazine Reader’s Choice Automotive Businessperson of the Year (2013)
- Emeritus Trustee, University of Dayton (after serving nine-year term limit as Trustee)
- Board Member, US-China Business Council (former)
- Board Member, CEO Climate Dialogue (former)
- Board Member, Climate Leadership Council (former)
- Campaign Chair, United Way of Southeast Michigan (former)
- Co-Chair, Motown Museum Legacy Campaign
- Board Chairman, National Minority Supplier Development Council (former)
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