Jeff Williams

Johnson Controls elects new vp, Enterprise Operations and Engineering

Johnson Controls announced its board of directors has elected Jeff Williams to the newly created role of vice president, Enterprise Operations and Engineering and a corporate officer, reporting to Alex Molinaroli, chief executive officer and chairman. 

In this role, Williams will lead the company’s overall manufacturing operations, procurement and integrated supply chain, advanced manufacturing and engineering functions. He will also assume overall responsibility for quality, continuous improvement, health and safety functions. Williams will also direct the company’s Global Manufacturing Operations and Global Engineering Excellence councils which are developing and implementing key components of the Johnson Controls Operating System.

“We are making significant progress in building enterprise capabilities in key areas across the company through our Johnson Controls Operating System, with our operations and engineering areas among the highest priorities,” said Alex Molinaroli. “Jeff has played a critical role in our Global Manufacturing Operations Council and brings extensive experience as a leader in our automotive business. His new role further intensifies our strategic focus on the operating system and will help us take these enterprise initiatives to drive operational excellence to the next level.”

Williams, who joined Johnson Controls in 1984, most recently served as group vice president & general manager, Product Group Complete Seat and Supply Chain, Automotive Experience. In this role, he led global product development, launch and manufacturing for more than 85 just-in-time seat assembly facilities worldwide. Williams also drove standardization in design, manufacturing processes and equipment to establish global best practices for cost, quality and efficiency. Purchasing, quality, supply chain and program management functions for the global automotive seating business were also Williams’ responsibility.

In 30 years with the company, Williams has held numerous global leadership roles spanning all aspects of the Automotive Seating business including program management, operations, customer groups, and product group leadership. Over the past two years, he has also been deeply involved in the creation and leadership of the Global Manufacturing Operations Council which is driving the company’s vision to be one of the most operational companies in the world.

Williams has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Michigan University and an MBA from the University of Detroit.