Title: President of North America Manufacturing (Retired)
Company: Toyota
Location: Bainbridge Island, Washington, United States
Gary L. Convis, Retired President of North America Manufacturing at Toyota, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in the automotive manufacturing.
Mr. Convis embarked on his illustrious career in the automotive manufacturing sector in 1964, marked by a commitment to excellence and dedication. Initially hired for a role in quality control at General Motors, the opportunity sparked his interest in manufacturing and set the stage for a remarkable journey through the industry. Having since retired in 2015 after a long and successful career that spanned 50 years, Mr. Convis’s journey concluded with his tenure as the chief operating officer of Bloom Energy 2015, where he spent nearly five years managing the business. Recognized as a publicly traded company, Bloom Energy has been manufacturing and marketing solid oxide fuel cells that produce electricity on-site since its inception in 2001.
After leaving General Motors, Mr. Convis worked for Buick for several years before being acquired by Ford in 1968. For over 15 years, he honed his skills and eventually became the youngest assistant plant manager in the company’s history. Mr. Convis’s tenure at Ford was marked by significant achievements and provided him with invaluable experience that would serve him well in his subsequent years at Toyota.
In 1984, Mr. Convis was pivotal in establishing New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI), a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors. This collaboration was instrumental in revitalizing a shuttered plant in California and marked a significant milestone in his career. Mr. Convis’s leadership and expertise as the general manager of NUMMI spanned over 15 years until 2000.
Mr. Convis’s career reached new heights when he was appointed as the first American president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in 2000. This achievement underscored his ability to bridge cultural divides and embrace the Japanese culture within Toyota. In 2003, he was promoted to managing officer at Toyota, reporting directly to the board of directors. By 2007, Mr. Convis had ascended to the role of president of North America manufacturing for Toyota.
After leaving Toyota, Mr. Convis continued to make significant contributions to the automotive industry. He served as chief executive officer and vice chair of Dana Holding Corporation from 2008 to 2010. An industry leader in traditional and electrified systems, the Ohio-based organization caters to conventional, hybrid and electric vehicles.
In preparation for his future, Mr. Convis graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and a minor in physics. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his entry into the automotive sector.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Convis is a published author, co-authoring “The Toyota Way for Lean Leadership” with Jeffrey Lyker in 2008. Additionally, he actively mentors aspiring leaders in the manufacturing and automotive industries, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience.
Throughout his career, Mr. Convis has been guided by values instilled by his father. These principles of respect for others and a commitment to the working class have shaped his approach to leadership and have been integral to his success. As he looks to the future, Mr. Convis remains committed to giving back his free time to future leaders while contributing to organizations through board service. His passion for revitalizing manufacturing in the U.S. continues to drive him as he seeks to inspire others in this vital industry.
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