Automotive News announces Leading Women in Automotive Industry

MILWAUKEE, Nov. 9, 2015 – Three Johnson Controls executives have been recognized on Automotive News’ list of 100 Leading Women in the North American Automotive Industry. Compiled every five years, the award celebrates leaders with significant influence in their companies.

Recognized from Johnson Controls are Lisa Bahash, group vice president and general manager Original Equipment for Johnson Controls Power Solutions; Darlene S. Knight, group vice president and general manager Complete Seat Americas for Johnson Controls Automotive Experience; and MaryAnn Wright, group vice president Engineering and Product Development for Johnson Controls Power Solutions.

“Johnson Controls values diversity among all of our employees and we are proud to have our talented and experienced leaders recognized as part of the top 100 Leading Women in the North American Automotive Industry,” said Grady Crosby, vice president Public Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer, Johnson Controls.

Lisa Bahash is responsible for Original Equipment customers across the continuum of their global business and technology needs, including conventional lead-acid batteries, advanced Start-Stop batteries, and Lithium-ion energy storage systems. Bahash has more than two decades of experience in the automotive sector. In her previous roles she led teams focused on technology commercialization, product design and development, sales and marketing. She received her Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan and Master of Science in engineering management from Wayne State University, Michigan. 

Darlene S. Knight is responsible for Johnson Controls’ just-in-time seating business in North and South America, which includes 23 automotive seating plants and two regional offices. In addition, she has a global role representing the Automotive Experience Operations Team as the Global Manufacturing Operations Council co-chair. Knight leads the Automotive Seating Americas Regional Compliance Committee. Knight earned a Master of Science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. and a Bachelor of Science degree from GMI Engineering & Management Institute in Flint, Mich. 

MaryAnn Wright is responsible for the entire spectrum of energy storage and vehicle application activities from advanced engineering, through launch and delivery to our global automotive customers.  With nearly three decades in the industry, Wright has built her resume with experience in operations, engineering and product development. Her work is acknowledged with several industry awards, including the Wall Street Journal’s “Top 50 Women to Watch”, the STEP-Ahead Award from Women in Manufacturing and multiple years on the “100 Leading Women in the Automotive Industry” list. Wright earned a Bachelor degree in Economics and International Business from the University of Michigan; Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan, and MBA from Wayne State University.

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About Johnson Controls:
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 130,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and seating components and systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2015, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #14 company in its annual “100 Best Corporate Citizens” list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.

About Johnson Controls Power Solutions
Johnson Controls Power Solutions is the world's largest manufacturer of automotive batteries, supplying approximately 140 million every year to automakers and aftermarket retailers. Our full range of lead acid and Lithium-ion battery technology powers nearly every type of vehicle for our customers- including conventional, Start-Stop, Micro Hybrid, hybrid and electric. Johnson Controls' recycling system has helped make automotive batteries the most recycled consumer product in the world. Globally, 15,000 employees develop, manufacture, distribute and recycle batteries at more than 50 locations. For more information, please visit http://www.JohnsonControls.com/PowerSolutions or follow @JCI_BatteryBeat on Twitter.

About Johnson Controls Automotive Experience:
Johnson Controls Automotive Experience is a global leader in automotive seating components and systems. We support all major automakers in the differentiation of their vehicles through our products, technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With more than 200 locations worldwide, we are where our customers need us to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort and style of our products, from single components to complete seat systems. With our global capability we supply more than 50 million cars per year. Johnson Controls pursues a spin-off of its Automotive Experience business. Following the separation, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2016, the Automotive Experience business will operate as an independent, publicly traded company. Bruce McDonald will serve as the chairman and CEO of the new company. Beda Bolzenius will serve as president and COO.

Follow us on Twitter @JCseating.

CONTACTS:

Mary Kay Dodero
Mary.Kay.Dodero@jci.com
734-254-7704  

Frantisek Sasek
Frantisek.sasek@jci.com
414-524-4307