Global Tier One auto supplier, AISIN World Corp. of America (AWA), today announced the promotions of two auto industry veterans: Chuck Sanders to Executive Vice President, North American Purchasing; and Brad Owens to Senior Vice President, North American Sales. The announcement was made by Scott Turpin, president & CEO, AWA.

Chuck Sanders joined Aisin in 1994 as sales engineer at the company’s Seymour, Ind., production facility. He later moved to AWA’s Detroit-area headquarters to join the sales and marketing team and became vice president, OE Sales. In 2016, he was named vice president, Purchasing, responsible for supplier relations and the purchasing function of the Aisin’s 41 facilities in North America. Since assuming the position, Sanders has played a crucial role in the centralization of purchasing throughout North America, and has been essential in the company’s response to pandemic related supply issues including coordination of PPE and sanitation supplies as well as other issues facing the automotive industry such as port delays, Force Majeures and semi-conductor supply concerns.  Sanders earned a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University, and is a member of SAE and OESA. He resides in Dexter, Mich.

Brad Owens joined AWA in 2000 as manager, Engine Component Sales, and was named vice president, North American Sales, in 2017. Today, as senior vice president, North American Sales, Owens is responsible for managing OEM customer contact, and interfacing between the AISIN sales team and North American plants in order to ensure quality, delivery and customer satisfaction standards. He has also assumed responsibility for AISIN’s aftermarket sales division, based in Torrance, California. Prior to joining AISIN, Owens was sales manager with UGN, Inc., a Chicago-based manufacturer of automotive sound dampening products. Owens has significant experience in automotive quality, manufacturing and production engineering, and studied Engineering in college. He resides in South Lyon, Mich.

Both Sanders and Owens are based at the company’s North American headquarters in Northville, Mich.