Dana Holding Corporation announced that James E. Sweetnam, president and chief executive officer, has resigned by mutual agreement with Dana’s Board of Directors. John M. Devine, executive chairman, will serve as Interim CEO while the board conducts a search for a permanent successor. A search committee led by director Richard F. Wallman will conduct the search with the assistance of a leading executive search firm.
Devine has played a leadership role at Dana since 2008. In addition to serving as executive chairman of the board since that time, he has also previously served as CEO. He has held senior executive positions during a more than 30-year career in the automobile industry, including vice chairman and CFO of General Motors and CFO of Ford Motor Company.
Keith E. Wandell, lead independent director, says, “The board appreciates Jim’s service to Dana. He helped lead the company through a difficult period and we thank him for his efforts. At this juncture, the board has concluded that new leadership is appropriate to take Dana to the next level. We wish Jim well in his future endeavors.”
He continues, “John Devine has been an integral part of the leadership team at Dana since 2008. He is a proven leader with deep knowledge of our company and the industry, and he has played a key role in positioning Dana for growth and delivering value to shareholders. He has guided the development of Dana’s current goals and direction, which will help to ensure continuity and progress. He is the ideal person to have at the helm during this management transition.”
Devine says, “I will continue to work closely with our board, leadership team and employees to drive Dana’s continuing success. As our recently reported third-quarter results attest, Dana is delivering improved financial performance and meeting the challenges of a dynamic global marketplace.I’m looking forward to closely working with the entire Dana team in the coming period.”
