Lear Appoints New Vice President to Lead Cyber Security for E-Systems

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Southfield-based Lear Corp., a global supplier of automotive seating and electrical systems, has appointed André Weimerskirch as its new vice president of cyber security for its E-Systems segment, effective immediately.

In his new position, Weimerskirch will be responsible for driving the company’s global cyber security technology strategy and implementation. His focus will include developing a holistic approach to automotive cyber security while aligning Lear’s security technologies with customer and industry requirements.

Most recently, Weimerskirch was leading vehicle cyber security research at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

He has published numerous articles on cyber security and continues to serve as the chair of several industry organizations, including the “escar” cyber security conference.

“André is a renowned industry expert in cyber security, and will provide Lear with a competitive advantage in vehicle electrical systems as we deploy our vehicle connectivity strategy,” says Matt Simoncini, president and CEO of Lear.

Weimerskirch, of Ann Arbor, received a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from Darmstadt University, a Master of Science degree in computer science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, an MBA degree from Henley Business School, and a doctorate degree in electrical engineering and information technology from Ruhr-University Bochum.

The company’s E-Systems product portfolio consists of wire harnesses, terminals and connectors, electronic modules, power converters and inverters, battery chargers, 48-volt systems, wireless capabilities, software, cyber security, lighting modules, and audio components.

Lear’s products are designed, engineered, and manufactured by a team of 140,000 employees located in 36 countries.

In related news, Lear this week signed an investment agreement with the Administrative Commission of Yangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone to construct a state-of-the art premium leather processing plant in Yangzhou, China.

The new plant, to be comprised of a 32,000 square meter facility on 56,700 square meters of land, will support Lear’s sales growth and new business development in China. The plant will have approximately 300 employees in 2018, and expand to approximately 700 employees when running at its designed capacity with 28,000 square meters of adjacent land reserved for future expansion.