HOLLAND, Mich. — GNS, a global automotive supplier, five-time GM Supplier of the Year, and one of the world’s largest providers of hot stamped press hardened steel (PHS) components and assemblies to the automotive industry, has solidified its management team at GNS North America. This includes naming Michael J. Alcala GNS NA President and Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors.  The announcement was made by MG Kong, GNS Company Chairman and Chairman of the Board, GNS North America.

Since January of 2020, Alcala has served as GNS North America interim President and CEO and Chief Restructuring Officer within Conway MacKenzie, part of Riveron, a global financial and operational restructuring firm. During a pandemic-challenged 2020, Mike led a successful turnaround of the business with remarkable results, including: improved customer satisfaction levels; a performance-oriented business operating model; improved leadership teams at the corporate and plant levels; solid consistent financial performance; and balance sheet strengthening.

“Mike, a 35 year veteran of the automotive industry, has a proven track-record of building and developing high performance leadership teams with a genuine people and customer centric focus,” said MG Kong. “He consistently demonstrates a sound business acumen, proven strategy and operational skills, and extensive experience in sales, program management, manufacturing, and financial management. This organization is in outstanding hands.”

Prior to joining GNS, Alcala served as President/CEO at numerous manufacturing companies including Pridgeon and Clay, Sodecia North America, AZ Automotive, and Faurecia Emission Control North America. He founded the consulting firm FRANSTO to apply his expertise to operations turnaround, interim management, and a variety of business restructuring, advisory and project engagements. Mike also has served as Managing Director with Conway MacKenzie, undertaking a range of similar assignments.

Additionally, GNS North America has named two other professionals to its Board of Directors:

• Steven R. Wybo:  With strong and longstanding ties to the financial community and extensive experience within the automotive manufacturers and supply base, Wybo has been named to the GNS Board of Directors. He will also serve as Chairman of the Board’s newly-formed Finance Committee. During 2020, Wybo was instrumental in the financial restructuring of GNS North America. He currently holds the position of Senior Managing Director and Chair of the Automotive Practice of Conway MacKenzie. He has served with the firm for over 20 years as a senior restructuring and management consulting professional with experience in providing turnaround, reorganization, and financial advisory services.

• Jimin Song (Chloe): With a desire to bring more diversity, business experience and cultural knowledge to the company, GNS has also named Song to serve on the Board of Directors. An independent business owner with several companies in Korea and the United States, Songs’s background also includes music and the arts.  A professional opera singer, she has performed in chorus and/or as an actress in “Won-sool-rang,” "Aida,” and “La Cenerentola” in Seoul, Korea. She has also been a performer in the Brahms and Mozart music concerts at the Yurin Concert Hall in Seoul, Korea. More recently, Chloe has become a member of the Opera Grand Rapids Chorus and has recorded a CD of Operatic Arias for YG Entertainment.

“I am enthusiastic about working with the talented and highly dedicated team at GNS North America in 2021 and beyond,” said Alcala. “GNS NA is well-positioned for the future with increasing industry interest in the solutions we provide. GNS has a solid value proposition providing hot stamping solutions for body in white, interior, and powertrain applications.”

Headquartered in Holland, Michigan with plants in Detroit/Canton, Michigan, and Querertaro, Mexico, GNS North America is a full-service, automotive supplier specializing in: hot stamping; conventional stamping; welding and assembly; and engineering and tooling. GNS provides lean manufacturing methodologies; innovative processing; and application engineering and tool build capabilities. For more information visit: http://gnsauto.com/