Solero Technologies Announces New CEO, Dr. Donald R. James

A global supplier company made major hiring moves recently with a new CEO taking the lead.

Solero Technologies, a champion of a global supplier of transmission solenoids, engine solenoids, stop-start accumulators, and hydraulic control modules, recently hired Dr. Donald R. James as the company’s new chief executive officer.

Solero Technologies, formerly BorgWarner North American Controls, was acquired by Atar Capital in December 2021.
Dr. James will oversee Solero Technologies’ sales and engineering center in the city of Detroit, while also manufacturing operations in Water Valley, Mississippi. Besides that work, Dr. James will oversee the strategic direction of the company and establish long-term profitable growth. Dr. James will be based in Michigan with the team in Detroit.

Ramzi Hermiz, a transformational automotive industry leader, served as interim CEO previously and will work with the company as its board director.

“Don’s years of success in business and technology, along with his extensive automotive industry experience, will make him a tremendous asset to the Solero Technologies team,” said Hermiz in a news release. “His expertise will be critical to driving greater innovation within Solero, expanding our reach to new markets, and maintaining our commitment to sustainability.”

Dr. James has over 24 years of leadership experience in the automotive industry, domestically and abroad.

Before connecting with Solero Technologies, Dr. James served as the president of the Americas and an executive committee member at Joyson Safety Systems, where he facilitated a merger of Takata and Key Safety Systems into Joyson while developing strategic initiatives to drive profitability and growth.

In addition, Dr. James served in a variety of leadership positions at Continental AG in both North America and Europe; most recently as vice president of North America for the company’s Hydraulic Brake Systems.

At Continental, he led the launch of new facilities in Mexico and established the company’s commercial vehicle market strategy leading to substantial market growth.

He was awarded two Silver Awards; one for ‘Top Turnaround Project in North America’ and the other for ‘Excellence in Project Management & New Business Development.’

“With Solero’s strong reputation of product innovation and manufacturing, I am excited to work with our employees, customers, suppliers, and community to elevate Solero’s product reach within and outside the automotive industry,” added Dr. James.

Dr. James earned a bachelor’s in economics from the University of Michigan; and both a master’s in business administration and a doctorate in business administration and sustainability from Lawrence Technological University.
Visit www.solerotechnologies.com for more information.