Seating and electrical Tier 1 supplier Lear has named John Absmeier chief technology officer in charge of technology and innovation.

He joins Lear on 18 June, and reporting to president and CEO Ray Scott.

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Lear said Absmeier has "deep automotive technology, engineering and business experience". He most recently headed the ADAS/autonomous business unit as senior vice president and general manager at Harman International and was also VP of smart machines for Samsung Electronics where he steered the acquisition of Harman.

He joined Samsung in 2015 from Delphi after a 19-year career including founder and managing director of Delphi Labs @ Silicon Valley and autonomous driving as well as being the business director for electronic controls and electrification in Asia-Pacific for six years.

He also held several roles of increasing responsibility at Delphi in the areas of hybrid and electric vehicles, fuel cells and telematics.

"We are delighted to welcome John with his industry-leading technology and business expertise to Lear at a time when industry trends such as electrification, connectivity and mobility as well as the convergence of our two product segments are driving tremendous growth opportunities," said Scott.

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