Robert Willig

Robert "Bob" Willig is a passionate business leader with a demonstrated track record driving financial and operational performance, turnaround leadership, lean implementation and new business development accomplishments over a broad range of businesses in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Willig has extensive global experience and has led teams across multiple cultures, regions and disciplines. He has served as a director on numerous boards in North America, Japan, Korea and China, and has directed several acquisition teams through diligence, acquisition and integration. Willig most recently served as president, Control Devices for Stoneridge Inc. He fully restructured the business, focusing on value creation and growth within the emerging autonomous and electrified vehicle segments. As the president and CEO of Plasan Carbon Composites, Willig reorganized this high-technology business to grow with lightweight solutions for key automotive customers. As president, GKN Driveline Americas, he led significant, profitable growth while driving investment efficiency and operational excellence. Willig opened five new facilities supporting the expansion of technical capabilities, new product introduction and an optimized manufacturing footprint. During his three-plus years as president of GKN Sinter Metals Americas, Willig delivered significant improvement in profit, cash and overall customer satisfaction while growing at more than twice the market. He guided a strong focus on cost management actions and a comprehensive preventative maintenance program, allowing improvements in OEE, machine utilization and reduced capital costs. Prior to GKN, Willig held increasingly senior leadership roles at Tomkins Plc. (Gates Corp.) including as president, power transmission and president, automotive. He is also the former president of Stackpole International, a North American-based supplier of powder metal components and engineered pump assemblies. Willig earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Lawrence Technological University and MBA from Wayne State University. SME Member Since 2020.