DURA Automotive
Visit WebsiteDura is a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered automotive systems. It operates through its mechatronics, lightweight structures and exterior trim segments, making products such as shift-by-wire actuators, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), electric vehicle (BEV) battery trays, mechatronic control systems and aluminum roof rails. Dura supplies leading automotive OEMs and Tier one partners worldwide, with a presence on more than 300 platforms across all light vehicle and powertrain types.
Add-On Criteria
- Geography: North America, Balkans
- Size: flexible
- End markets: automotive
- Products/applications: structural aluminum components, ADAS sensors, actuators
- Capabilities/services: aluminum extrusion technology
Dura Company Management
Carl Beckwith
CEO
Carl Beckwith joined DURA in January 2021 as Chief Executive Officer. Carl is an accomplished manufacturing business leader with over 25 years of processes and operational expertise. Prior to his role at DURA, Carl was Senior Vice President at Dana Corporation where he led Operations, Quality, MP&L, Manufacturing Engineering and Continuous Improvement across 135 plants globally. Recently, Carl has been recognized as the “Automotive News 2019 Rising Star.” Carl obtained his MBA from Ross School of Business at University of Michigan and obtained his BS in Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Technological Engineering.
Heather Klish
President
Heather Lindell Klish joined the DURA Executive Leadership team in March 2021 as President. Heather previously served as Vice President of Global Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement & Integration at BorgWarner, where she oversaw the global manufacturing strategy and OpEx implementation of 31 sites. Prior to BorgWarner, she led various Operations and Supply Chain organizations within automotive manufacturing companies Delphi, Axletech, Acument Global Technologies, American Axle, and General Motors. Heather has extensive experience partnering with private equity to transform businesses, working with The Carlyle Group at Axletech and Platinum Equity at Acument.
Independent Board Members
Rhondia Turano
GM, Executive Global Supplier Quality for GE Powers
Rhondia Turano is currently the GM, Executive Global Supplier Quality for GE Powers. She is the former head of Powertrain purchasing for General Motors and a Global Supply Chain executive with excellent interpersonal skills. Rhondia communicates effectively with stakeholders and obtains buy-in.
Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann
Retired, Volkswagen Group
Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann recently retired from the Volkswagen Group’s board of directors. During his time with Volkswagen, Prof Dr. Heizmann served as a member of the board of management Volkswagen AG and President & CEO Volkswagen Group China.
Chris Charlton
President and Founder, The Charlton Group
Chris Charlton is President and Founder of The Charlton Group. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and a Mayo Clinic benefactor, including endowments to the Charlton Building at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Chris finds joy in creating sustainable businesses. His consistent approach has led to major investments in manufacturing companies with plants on every continent. Beyond automotive, Charlton has diversified into energy with major investments that include 2.8 billion tons of iron ore, oil and gas wells, and non-automotive industrial initiatives as well as real estate.
Michael Richardson
Retired, Nexteer
Michael Richardson has 15 years of experience with Nexteer serving as President and Executive Board Directors, where he retired in January 2020. He has 20 years of experience with General Motors, where he served as Regional Director of Engineering.
Franz Linner
CEO & Founder, Linner Consulting Group
Franz Linner is the CEO & Founder of Linner Consulting Group, which brings together the right people and provides custom-tailored solutions focusing on strategic operations and global expansion. Mr. Linner held various positions, including executive roles at the BMW Group for 35 years.
Greg Corona
Chairman & Founder, Lakewood & Company
Greg Corona has over 30 years of experience in executive positions in operations, finance, private equity, and venture capital. His background Chairman and/or a Member of 17 corporate Boards of Directors, Audit Committees, and/or Corporate Governance Committees.
Phil Jansen
President, Sable View Advisors
Phil Jansen is a senior leader with a diverse global automotive experience. He is the President of Sable View Advisors LLC and has 35 years of diverse industry experience, specializing in product development, product strategy, and production execution.
