According to an announcement, John K. Catterall has spent 18 years with General Motors Co., most recently as global innovation manager for body systems. Prior to that, he held technical leadership positions in body and chassis divisions. He also has held management and leadership roles with Autokinetics Inc., Desktop Engineering International Inc., and Hartwick Professionals Inc., among others.

Catterall holds degrees in mechanical and production automotive engineering from Bolton Technical College and Leyland Technical College in the U.K.

"John has been an active member in the A/SP for many years and his working knowledge of the organization, as well as his deep understanding of the automotive industry, made him the right candidate for the position," said Steve Gallagher, chairman of A/SP's Joint Policy Council.

"He has held leadership roles in several major automotive technology projects throughout his career, and we look forward to John leading more advanced product and manufacturing technology projects as the partnership advances."

The Auto/Steel Partnership is a 30-year-old consortium made up of North American automotive companies and the Steel Market Development Institute's Automotive Applications Council. The Steel Market Development Institute is a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute.

The consortium’s focus is on development of pre-competitive lightweight steels to meet the needs of automakers.

"With the resurgence in the automotive industry, I look forward to growing the A/SP and elevating its importance," said Catterall. "I've spent nearly four decades running advanced development projects with General Motors Co. and other organizations. My knowledge and experience will help us to be more efficient, and work more collaboratively with our members to grow the A/SP in the years to come."