Twining named Teijin Automotive CEO as Rooney retires

Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Teijin Automotive Technologies' CEO Steve Rooney has decided to retire early from his roles, including general manager of the Teijin composite business unit, the company announced Oct. 3.

Rooney will support Teijin in an advisory role through October and November "to ensure a smooth transition" as Chris Twining transitions into the role of chief operating officer of the composites business unit and CEO of Teijin Automotive Technologies, according to an Oct. 3 news release. Masataka Akiyoshi will take over the role of general manager of the composites business unit.

Twining was previously president of Teijin Automotive Technologies North America. Akiyoshi previously served as Teijin's chief officer of corporate strategy.

"We are grateful to Steve for his dedication and commitment to Teijin Automotive Technologies," Akimoto Uchikawa, president and CEO of Teijin Group said in the release. "Under Steve's leadership, Teijin Automotive has experienced significant growth, while maintaining its leadership position in lightweighting innovations."

Rooney worked for the company for more than 11 years in various executive roles, the release said. He assumed the role of CEO in 2017. In 2021, he was named a Teijin Group corporate officer as general manager of the Teijin composites business unit. Teijin Automotive Technologies is a part of the Teijin Composites Business Unit.

Twining has been with the company since 2001. Before being named COO earlier this year, he was vice president of operations, and regional director of operations.

"Under his leadership, the company will continue to focus on sustainability, materials R&D, and applications engineered to meet the rapidly changing needs of the mobility industry," the release said.

Teijin Automotive Technologies, a subsidiary of Teijin Group, develops and produces composite components, including carbon and glass fiber, for the global automotive and transportation industries. The company has 29 operations in eight countries and employs more than 5,000.