The Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium is a yearly event bringing together business owners, senior management, and decision-makers from all tiers of the automotive industry. This premier automotive supplier event provides the most up-to-date industry forecasts, latest issues, and trends, with opportunities to network and learn from others in the increasingly challenging and ever-changing industry of automotive. The 2022 Symposium is bringing to the stage auto industry game-changers on March 10, 2022, in Grand Rapids, Michigan! Meet the mainstage speakers below.

David Leich

Executive Director, Global Supply Chain - General Motors 

David Leich was promoted to Executive Director, Global Supply Chain in January 2020. In this role, he leads GM’s Supply Chain responsibilities for North America, South America, and Asia-Pacific.  This includes Assembly, Propulsion and Stamping Supply Chain operations, Material Launch Execution, and the Demand & Supply Planning organizations.  Dave represents GM’s Global Purchasing and Supply Chain organization on the company’s North American Staff. 

Dave joined General Motors in 1989 in Flint, MI within the Purchasing organization.  Over the next 10 years, he progressed with increasing responsibilities throughout the areas of Purchasing, Supply Chain, Order Fulfillment and Vehicle Scheduling. 

From 2000 to 2013, Dave worked at 4 different manufacturing locations across the Midwest holding various leadership positions within Supply Chain and Production Operations.  He executed numerous major vehicle launches as well as a Greenfield assembly plant launch, and gained extensive experience managing global supply chains and implementing lean material systems. 

Dave then became the global leader of both Supply Chain and Program Management for GM’s Pre-Production manufacturing sites across NA, SA, Europe and Asia and implemented numerous initiatives to advance readiness activities into the Pre-Production space. In 2016, Dave transitioned to the position of Supply Chain Director, Launch Readiness, Engineering Change Management and Risk Management.

In Dave’s most recent role, he led Demand & Supply Planning and Scheduling for North America.  This included the Vehicle and Propulsion Scheduling activities tied to GM’s S&OP process, as well as supply base Capacity Planning and the development of the monthly production schedules utilized across the organization and the supply base.

Since 2015, Dave has also represented General Motors on the Board of Directors for the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG).  AIAG is a unique non-profit organization where OEMs, suppliers and service providers work collaboratively to reduce waste and complexity within the supply chain.

Dave has over 30 years of diverse experience within the automotive industry and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University and a Master’s of Science in Management degree from Walsh College in Troy, MI. 

Jay De Veny

Vice President, HYZON Motors

As Vice President, Jay has responsibility for planning, execution, and continuous improvement for the Vehicle Technology Group. These product design groups are located in Troy, Michigan, and are responsible for the North American vehicle platforms of Hyzon Motors. His group aligns with the company’s Sales and Operations to accelerate processes, anticipate our customers’ needs and meet their timing for vehicle launches. Jay joined Hyzon in 2020.

Prior to joining Hyzon, Jay was responsible for launching Allison Transmission’s e-Axle Systems facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan as the Managing Director. This business unit, focused on electric drivetrains, was acquired from AxleTech where Mr. De Veny was the Vice President of Engineering. Jay joined AxleTech in 2003 where he has held roles of increasing responsibility in the Engineering group. He has also held positions in engineering for Meritor and American Axle. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and a Master’s degree from the Broad School of Management at Michigan State University.

Mike Wall

Executive Director of Automotive Analysis at IHS Markit now a part of S&P Global

Mike brings over 25 years of financial analysis, forecasting, consulting, and manufacturing experience to the firm, with a primary focus on assisting manufacturers and financial firms in their evaluation and understanding of the auto industry, as well as in-depth analysis of vehicle markets and trends.  

Prior to joining IHS Markit, Mike was the Director of Forecasting at IRN, Inc. He has also held financial and analytical positions in the manufacturing and banking sectors. Mike graduated Summa Cum Laude with an undergraduate degree in Finance from Grand Valley State University.  He later earned the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.

Adam Kochenderfer

Associate General Counsel at DRiV, a division of Tenneco Inc. 

He serves as the lead commercial attorney for the aftermarket business in the Americas and China, working closely with business management and cross-functional leadership on a variety of strategic projects.

Prior to joining DRiV, Adam represented OEMs and automotive suppliers at every tier. His practice includes business and supply chain negotiations, contract drafting, and management of disputes. He is a frequent speaker for industry organizations such as the Michigan Manufacturers Association and has been named one of Metro Detroit’s “Top Lawyers” by DBusiness magazine. He is also a former partner of a large law firm headquartered in Detroit.

Michael Brady

Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd

Warner Partner Michael Brady is an award-winning litigation attorney who represents automotive suppliers in contract negotiations and supply chain disputes. Michael has co-chaired Warner’s Automotive Industry Group for over a decade. He successfully represents clients throughout every stage of the litigation process in U.S. federal and state courts and in international matters. Michael has spent over two decades helping suppliers navigate numerous difficult supply chain issues. More than just a litigator, Michael provides direction and counsel on today’s most prevalent concerns: labor and material shortages, raw materials cost increases, shipping issues, warranty and recall matters, and challenging relationships with customers and suppliers. Michael was entrenched in all of these issues prior to COVID-19 hitting U.S. soil and continues to be a vital resource for clients in these matters.

When clients approach Michael with a question or a problem, they know he’ll do everything he can to make their lives easier and take the burden off their shoulders. He always strives to add value by gaining an in-depth understanding of his clients’ businesses and needs and looks to apply a confluence of creative strategies and practical approaches to resolve their issues efficiently and effectively.

Michael has received numerous awards, notably his ongoing recognition by his peers as a “Super Lawyer” in Michigan Super Lawyers magazine. He is also honored among the Best Lawyers in America© and named a DBusiness Top Lawyer. Additionally, he frequently authors articles and speaks at conferences and seminars.