The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Bendix appoints new president/CEO
Michael J. Hawthorne served as president and CEO of New York Air Brake, a sister company
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC in Elyria has appointed Michael J. Hawthorne as president and CEO, as well as a member of its executive board, according to a news release.
Hawthorne will succeed Berend Bracht, also is an executive board member, who is stepping down to take a role outside the company, the release said.
Bendix is North America’s leader in the development and manufacture of active safety, air management and braking system technologies for commercial vehicles, the release said.
Hawthorne has served as president and CEO of New York Air Brake, a sister company of Bendix within the Knorr-Bremse Group since 2012.
His 23-year career at New York Air Brake includes numerous leadership roles in engineering, product development and management.
Hawthorne’s experience also includes positions with Raytheon and General Electric.
Prior to his current role, Hawthorne spent a decade as director of New York Air Brake’s Train Dynamic Systems division.
In the division, he was instrumental in driving exponential sales growth by developing a new market in energy management and establishing a culture of innovation, the release said.
Hawthorne holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y.; a Master of science in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y.; and an MBA from Syracuse University in Syracuse, N.Y.
“Mike’s well-deserved reputation as a talented and strategic executive has been known for years to many members of the Bendix team, and we’re pleased to welcome him aboard,” said Bendix Chairman Joe McAleese. “With his passion for ensuring a focus on strong customer relationships and support, as well as a shared belief in not just what Bendix has built, but also the promise of where we’re going, Mike will be a true and dynamic asset to our leadership team and the entire Bendix community.”
McAleese, Hawthorne and Bendix Chief Operating Officer Carlos Hungria will comprise the three-member Bendix executive board.