Adrian Smith

Executive Director - Sales & Business Development, Carbon Revolution

Detroit Metropolitan Area

About

Internationally experienced, results driven Automotive business leader - customer focused – hands on - exceptional leadership. Demonstrable success in business turnaround, change management and growth. A passion for people, quality and success.

Experience

  • Executive Director - Sales & Business Development at Carbon Revolution
    Sep 2019 - Present · 6 yrs 11 mos

    Carbon Revolution, an Australian company that has successfully innovated, commercialized and industrialized Carbon Fibre wheels for the global automotive industry.

  • Akebono Brake Corporation (6 yrs)
    • Vice President, Global - High Performance Division
      Oct 2015 - Aug 2019 · 3 yrs 11 mos

      Akebono, a Japanese corporation with global operations providing advanced braking and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) solutions to the automotive, railway and industrial markets. Create, develop and implement a global strategy for the Akebono High Performance Business Unit focused on core strengths, innovative product technology, exceptional customer relationships and industrial footprint. Significant growth of the product and business portfolio though leadership of new business and customer development in North America and Europe. Program management, design and product development responsibility for North America and Europe Production operations in Asia, Europe and North America

    • General Manager - High Performance & Electric Braking
      Aug 2015 - Sep 2015 · 2 mos

    • Chief Engineer - High Performance & Electric Braking
      Sep 2013 - Jul 2015 · 1 yr 11 mos

      Establish and drive growth of a North American High Performance Braking business. Strategic development of the product roadmap for electric braking. Establish local competence and facilities to support future product development and business growth. Business development, program acquisition, product innovation and commercial leadership. Recruit, develop and grow a passionate, entrepreneurial and highly talented team

  • Brembo North America, Inc. (5 yrs 9 mos)
    • Vice President & Business Director for Brake Systems
      Mar 2010 - 2013 · 2 yrs 11 mos

      Brembo is a world leader in the design, development and production of braking systems and components for cars, motorcycles, industrial vehicles and machinery, for the OE market, aftermarket and racing, P&L responsibility for the autonomous Brake Systems Division covering foundation brake systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, wheel corners, friction material and Carbon Ceramic Rotors. $100m profitable growth in North American business in Brake Systems business over 4 years establishing North America as the largest geographical market. Leading the localization of commercial, engineering and manufacturing. Established local production operations through construction of a a dedicated "green field" plant. Strategic development responsibility for the business. General management, commercial and technical leadership. Operational responsibility for North American production.

    • Vice President - Sales, Marketing, Engineering & Logistics
      Jan 2009 - Mar 2010 · 1 yr 3 mos

      Business leadership for across all of the Northern American activities.

    • General Manager
      May 2007 - Jan 2009 · 1 yr 9 mos

      Led the North American business covering OE, Aftermarket, Racing and High Performance with full P&L responsibility. Major acquisition of the $130m Hayes Lemmerz Rotor Division to expand the local business and establish a US manufacturing footprint. Cultural integration of the established and acquired businesses to support and drive future growth.

  • President at Brembo Performance North America
    Jan 2009 - Jul 2010 · 1 yr 7 mos

    Leadership and P&L responsibility for the North American High Performance Aftermarket and Motorsport businesses.

  • General Manager - North America at Prodrive
    Nov 2004 - May 2007 · 2 yrs 7 mos

    Start-up North American business for UK based motorsport, performance car and automotive technology business