MAUMEE, Ohio—Dana Inc., a supplier of axles, drive shafts and power-conveyance solutions, has formed a Technology and Sustainability Committee with the charge of overseeing innovation, new technology, sustainability and social responsibility.
The committee was established July 28 by Dana's Board of Directors and will be chaired by Diarmuid O'Connell, former vice president of business development at Tesla from 2006 to 2017, according to Dana. O'Connell also served as chief of staff to the assistant secretary of state for political military affairs in the U.S. State Department.
"Dana is committed to delivering innovations that offer considerable value for our customers while also taking careful consideration for the impact those products and services will have on the environment and in our communities," said James Kamsickas, Dana chairman and CEO. "Establishing this committee provides our board additional visibility into how we are leveraging the company's resources to deliver on our technology road maps and social responsibility objectives."
According to Dana, the committee specifically will focus on research and development; emerging trends in science, technology and regulations; talent management; and environmental responsibilities in the emerging e-mobility industry.
"Innovation and sustainability are critically important to the future of business in the mobility industry," O'Connell said. "The addition of this committee is another demonstration of Dana's focus on delivering innovation in a socially responsible manner."
Other committee members include Bridget Karlin, global chief technology officer and vice president of IBM Global Technology Services; and Raymond E. Mabus, Jr., founding principal and CEO of the Mabus Group and former U.S. Secretary of the Navy.
Dana also works in applications surrounding transmissions, as well as electrodynamic, thermal, sealing and digital equipment for conventional, hybrid and electric powered vehicles. The company focuses on products related to the light vehicle, commercial vehicle, and off-highway equipment markets, according to Dana.
Dana reported sales of $8.6 billion in 2019 and employs 36,000 people in 34 countries.