Johnson Controls-Saft Names CEO

Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions (JCS) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has named Mary Ann Wright as its chief executive officer. She will be responsible for accelerating the growth and executing the launch of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle battery programs with emphasis on state of the art technology, manufacturing and electronics integration. In addition to leading JCS, Wright will also assume the role of vice president and general manager of for Johnson Controls Inc., Hybrid Systems. She will report to Alex Molinaroli, president, Johnson Controls, Power Solutions. Most recently, Wright served as executive vice president of engineering, product development, commercial and program management for Collins & Aikman Corp. since February 2006. Prior to joining Collins & Aikman, she served as director, sustainable mobility technologies and hybrid vehicle programs at Ford Motor Co. In this capacity she was responsible for all hybrid, fuel cell and alternative fuel technology development. Wright also served as chief engineer of the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid, the industry's first full hybrid SUV. Wright has been recognized by Automotive News as one of the "Leading 100 Women in the Automotive Industry." She earned a bachelor's degree in economics and international business from the University of Michigan, a master of science degree in engineering from the University of Michigan and a master of business administration degree from Wayne State University.