The DNV GL - Automotive Executive of the Year Award recognizes excellence in leadership and innovation within the automotive industry. Since being launched in 1964, the award has been given to top auto executives, including: Marco Mattiacci (2012), Alan Mulally (2011), Elon Musk (2010), James O'Sullivan (2009), Carroll Shelby (2008), Jim Press (2007), Bill Ford (2006), Dieter Zetsche (2003), Rick Wagoner (2001), Jac Nasser (1999), Robert Eaton (1997), Thomas Stallkamp (1996), Roger Smith (1984), Lee Iacocca (1983), Bob Lund (1980), Henry Ford II (1973) and John DeLorean (1972).

Each honoree is nominated by an Advisory Committee of automotive journalists, representatives from the supplier community and industry analysts. Automotive Executive of the Year nomination criteria include entrepreneurial and creative thinking, exemplary leadership and professional integrity. Nominations are not directly linked to company performance or individual popularity. In some cases, the Advisory Committee may elect to give a Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring cumulative innovation and leadership.

The Automotive Executive of the Year Award is presented to an annual honoree during an invitation-only luncheon held at the Detroit Athletic Club in downtown Detroit, Mich. The historic DAC has served as the event venue since 1964.

Each honoree is presented with the DNV Navigator Award, an authentic working brass nautical compass (approximately 10 x 10 inches) enclosed in a teak wood box. The compass symbolizes the significance of navigation throughout the challenges of industry leadership. In addition, honorees are presented with an original watercolor portrait created by Michigan artist, Werner Claussen.

Award ownership

The award has been owned by DNV GL since its purchase in 2006. DNV GL - Business Assurance is a global services provider for management system certification to TS 16949, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, and other national and international standards. Other services include training, hospital accreditation, food safety certification, product certification and climate change services.

Award recipients The following partial list gives a history of recipients of the award.

Year Recipient TitleOrganization2012Marco MattiacciCEOFerarri North America2011Alan MulallyPresident and CEOFord Motor Company2010Elon MuskCEO and Product ArchitectTesla, Inc.2009Jim O' SullivanPresident and CEO, North American OperationsMazda Motor Corporation2008Carroll ShelbyFounderShelby American, Inc.2007Jim PressPresidentToyota Motor North America, Inc.2006William Clay Ford, Jr.Chairman and CEOFord Motor Company2005Trevor CreedSenior Vice PresidentChrysler Group2004Gary L. CowgerPresident, North AmericaGeneral Motors2003Dieter ZetschePresident and CEOChrysler Group2002Carlos GhosnPresident and CEONissan Motor Co., Ltd.2001Rick WagonerPresident and CEOGeneral Motors2000Tom GaleExecutive Vice President, Chrysler, Plymouth, Jeep, DodgeDaimlerChrysler Corporation1999Jacques NasserPresident and CEOFord Motor Company1998Nobuhiko KawamotoPresident and CEOHonda Motor Co., Ltd.1997Bob EatonChairman and PresidentChrysler Corporation1996Thomas StallkampExecutive Vice President, Procurement and SupplyChrysler Corporation1995Bernd PischetsriederChairman of the BoardBMW AG1994Bob LutzPresident and CEOChrysler Corporation1993J. Ignacio LopezGroup Vice President, Worldwide PurchasingGeneral Motors1992Carl HahnChairman of the BoardVolkswagen AG1991John F. Smith, Jr.Vice Chairman, International OperationsGeneral Motors1990Tadashi KumePresident and CEOHonda Motor Co., Ltd.1989Jack TelnackVice President, DesignFord Motor Company1988Harold PolingVice Chairman and CEOFord Motor Company1987Lewis VeraldiVice President, Car Product DevelopmentFord Motor Company1986Kenichi YamamotoPresidentMazda Motor Corporation1985Phillip CaldwellChairman of the Board and CEOFord Motor Company1984Roger B. SmithChairman of the Board and CEOGeneral Motors1983Lee IacoccaChairmanChrysler Corporation1982Donald PetersenPresident and CEOFord Motor Company1981Donald H. McPhersonVice President and Group ExecutiveGeneral Motors1980Robert D. LundGeneral Manager, Chevrolet DivisionGeneral Motors1979Elliot M. EstesPresident and CEOGeneral Motors1978William O. BourkeExecutive Vice President, North American OperationsFord Motor Company1977Thomas MurphyChairman of the BoardGeneral Motors1976Dick TeagueVice President, StylingAmerican Motors Corporation1975John B. NaughtonVice President, Sales Group, North American OperationsFord Motor Company1974William V. LuneburgPresident and CEOAmerican Motors Corporation1973Henry Ford IIChairman of the BoardFord Motor Company1972John DeLoreanGeneral Manager, Chevrolet DivisionGeneral Motors1971Lee IacoccaPresident, North American OperationsFord Motor Company1970George RussellVice PresidentGeneral Motors1969Semon KnudsenPresidentFord Motor Company1968Harry F. BarrVice President of EngineeringGeneral Motors1967James RochePresidentGeneral Motors1967Harry E. ChesebroughVice President, Product Planning and DevelopmentChrysler Corporation1967John BugasVice President and ConsultantFord Motor Company1966George H. LoveChairman of the BoardChrysler Corporation1966Lynn A. TownsendPresidentChrysler Corporation1966Virgil BoydGroup Vice PresidentChrysler Corporation1965Ed ColeVice President and Group ExecutiveGeneral Motors1964Charles H. PattersonExecutive Vice PresidentFord Motor Company

See also

List of motor vehicle awards

References

The Detroit Free Press, February 17, 2008, 2E

External links DNV GL Website DNV GL - Healthcare DNV GL - Business Assurance DNV GL - Sustainability Advisory Services Automotive Executive of the Year Award Recipients, 1964–2007