Harman Appoints Executive Positions
Harman International Industries made several changes in the organization of its group executive committee.
Harman International Industries made several changes in the organization of its group executive committee. All new appointees will report directly to CEO Dinesh C. Paliwal.
Herbert K. Parker will be the chief financial officer and a member of the Harman group executive committee. Parker brings more than 25 years of experience in the finance field, having served as CFO for the Americas region of power and technology company ABB Group since 2006. He was previously CFO for ABB’s global automation division and held similar positions for businesses in Australia, China, and Switzerland.
Kevin L. Brown, Harman’s CFO since 2005, will remain with Harman to support a smooth transition through the company’s fiscal-year close in August, but will not relocate to the company’s new headquarters in Connecticut.
Dr. Klaus Blickle will assume the position of Harman Automotive Division CEO at a date yet to be determined. He will also be a member of the group executive committee. Most recently, Blickle was CEO for German engineering company EDAG Group. He has also held several executive positions for Audi, Cosworth, American Special Vehicles Corp., and Tesma.
Helmut Schinagel, who currently leads Harman’s automotive business, will be promoted to Harman group chief technology officer and continue to be a member of the group executive committee. Before joining Harman in 2006, Schinagel held senior management roles in technology and innovation for BMW Group, Seimens Semiconductor Division, Bosch, and Telefunken.
Dr. Erich Geiger has served as Harman’s chief technology officer since 1998 and will retire in August following a 40-year career, with 15 years at Harman. He will continue to serve the group in a consulting capacity under the CEO.
David Karch will undertake the newly created position of senior vice president, operational excellence, effective immediately, and serve on the group executive committee. His responsibilities will include accelerating migration of the company’s global footprint and strengthening its processes for quality, supply chain, and productivity. Karch has been with Harman since 1999, most recently as senior vice president, manufacturing for the Automotive Division.
