Nexteer Automotive has announced that Laurent R. Bresson has resigned as president and global chief operating officer, effective immediately. Michael P. Richardson, Nexteer’s senior vice president, executive board director and chief strategy officer, has been named interim president and global chief operating officer of Nexteer Automotive. Nexteers said its board will move quickly to identify a permanent successor to Bresson.

On behalf of Nexteer’s board, Guibin Zhao, Nexteer chairman, executive board director and chief executive officer said, “We are thankful for Laurent’s leadership over the past four years as Nexteer completed the final steps to transform the company into a profitable and growing global enterprise. We wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Richardson will advance “the productive agenda set by Nexteer’s board of directors, ensuring a seamless continuation of the company’s success”, Nexteer said. He will also continue his duties as executive board director, senior vice president and strategy officer of Nexteer. In this role, Richardson is responsible for Nexteer’s strategic planning as well as mergers and acquisitions.

“We are confident in Mike’s ability to continue the positive operating performance of the company. With more than 40 years of industry experience and the support of Nexteer’s capable leadership team, Mike has the tools and skill set to lead the company through this transition,” said chairman Zhao. “Mike has worked closely with Nexteer’s prior presidents, is familiar with the day-to-day duties of the office and is well aligned to continue the vision that he helped create in his role as chief strategy officer.”

Nexteer is the former GM Saginaw steering division. It has been under the ownership of China-based investor group Pacific Century Motors since 2011. 

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