Piston Group Announces President, CEO for Detroit Thermal Systems

860
Joseph Finn
Joseph Finn // Photo courtesy of Piston Group

Joseph Finn, president and CEO of Irvin Products, a division of Southfield-based Piston Group, will expand his leadership role with the Piston Group companies and assume a similar position with Detroit Thermal Systems, another division and manufacturer of climate control systems and components.

Finn will oversee all operational performance for both Piston Group companies. Irvin Products produces a full range of seat covers, visors, armrests, consoles, and custom accessories.

“Joe continues to be a driving force for product and revenue growth for Irvin Products and is recognized as an effective and respected leader within our company and the industry,” says Vinnie Johnson, chairman and CEO. “We’re excited and confident in his abilities to further grow and develop synergies between the two companies, ultimately strengthening their position as automotive industry leaders.”

Both companies have a longstanding partnership with Ford Motor Co., and Piston Group believes this arrangement will help foster additional opportunities. The companies also look forward to introducing Detroit Thermal Systems to Irvin’s other customers such as Stellantis (formerly FCA), General Motors, Honda Motor Co., and Tesla.

“(Detroit Thermal Systems has) a talented management team that positions them well for continued growth and success in the always evolving automotive market,” says Finn.  “I’ve been fortunate to work with Vinnie and the Piston Group since their acquisition of Irvin approximately four years ago and share his passion of operational excellence as well as giving back to the communities they operate in.”

Finn has more than 30 years of experience driving product and revenue growth at Irvin Products. He joined Irvin Products, then Irvin Automotive, in 1985 as a co-op in the mechanical engineering department and led its separation from Takata Holdings and the acquisition by the Piston Group in 2016. He’s held leadership positions in multiple departments including operations, product engineering, manufacturing engineering, purchasing, and quality.

Finn earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from GMI Engineering and Management Institute at Kettering University and a Master of Business Administration from Oakland University.

Piston Group designs, engineers, assembles, and manufactures a variety of automotive parts and systems.