Well Known Auto Exec Passes The Torch

DETROIT -- (WWJ) The outspoken founder of a local auto supply company is turning day to day operations over to his son.

Forty-seven year old David Dauch will move into the CEO role at American Axle and Manufacturing, replacing his father, Richard Dauch, who has run the company since it's founding in 1995.

"Having developed a sound succession plan over the years, AAM is well positioned for the future. I look forward to assisting the outstanding leadership team we have assembled to execute our profitable growth plan," said Richard Dauch, who will remain as Executive Chairman of American Axle's Board of Directors.

INTERVIEW: WWJ's Jeff Gilbert talks with American Axle CEO David Dauch.

David Dauch joined American Axle in 1995, and has served in a number of positions, most recently Chief Operating Officer.

"I've been instrumental in working to help set the policy and the strategy and direction of the company," said David Dauch. "There shouldn't be any big change in surprise to what we've been putting together through the years, and what we're quite honestly implementing and executing right now."

American Axle has been through a lot of change in recent years. There was an 89 day strike in 2008, which came just as the country was heading into recession, and auto sales were falling.

The company's Detroit plant was closed, with much of the work shifted to a facility in Three Rivers, Michigan. With the recovery, American Axle is expanding, and now expects to add about 600 jobs.

"The plant that's really benefiting from being market competitive is our Three Rivers facility," said David Dauch. "They are getting new jobs, new work and new investment."

Six hundred people still work at American Axle's headquarters building, along the I-75 Freeway in Detroit.

Richard Dauch is known as an outspoken leader, with more than 50 years experience in the auto industry. He was Chrysler's manufacturing director, when he purchased some GM parts operations, and founded American Axle.

General Motors remains American Axle's largest customer. But, the company has been working to diversify.

While most CEO's avoid controversial issues, like labor relations, Richard Dauch was willing to speak out about changes that he felt needed to be made, and was often the target of angry comments from UAW leaders.

It's too early to tell, says David Dauch, how outspoken he'll be on industry issues.

"My dad and I are very similar," he said. "But, at the same time, we're different. I've gotta be my own man, and have my own approach to doing business. But, at the same time, I've got a firm resole into who I am and what I want to accomplish."