#USA #Washington #General Motors #Fred Gersdorff #SP

Suppliers Partnership for the Environment Elects New Chair

On February 3, 2025, the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) announced that Fred Gersdorff has been elected as the Chair of its Board of Directors. Gersdorff, who is a Senior Manager for Socially Responsible and Sustainable Supply Chains at General Motors, has a substantial background in overseeing sustainability strategies within the automotive supply chain. As the new Chair, he steps into a crucial role at a time when environmental considerations are paramount in the automotive industry.

Gersdorff expressed his appreciation for the opportunity, stating, "SP offers a leadership forum for vehicle manufacturers and suppliers to connect, learn, and advance best practices in environmental sustainability. I am honored to serve as Chair of SP's Board." He also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Chair Kevin Butt from Toyota Motor North America, recognizing his vision and leadership that fostered efforts to improve sustainable practices across the industry.

The SP Board of Directors for 2025 is composed of prominent leaders from various automotive manufacturers and suppliers, reflecting a commitment to advancing environmental sustainability. Besides Gersdorff, notable members include Denise Carlson of DENSO as Vice Chair, Kurt Wirgau of Envita Solutions as Finance Chair, and Vickie Lewis from VMX International as Work Group Chair. Other members represent major automotive players including Stellantis, Ford Motor Company, Lear Corp., and Cummins.

With a focus on collective action, SP aims to enhance collaboration among vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers. Kellen Mahoney, the Director of Suppliers Partnership for the Environment, emphasized the significance of Gersdorff's leadership and the shared commitment among board members to drive initiatives that promote sustainability within the automotive supply chain. Together, they look ahead to facilitating efforts that align with SP’s vision of achieving an automotive industry that positively impacts the environment.

SP acts as a vital platform for global automotive stakeholders to share knowledge, establish best practices, and address environmental challenges faced by the industry. It strives to create a more sustainable future by fostering cooperation among manufacturers and suppliers.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve under increasing environmental scrutiny, Gersdorff's leadership will be instrumental in guiding SP's efforts to foster innovation and sustainable practices. The focus will remain on implementing strategies that address the complex challenges posed by climate change and resource sustainability, utilizing the collective expertise of its board members and participants.

The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment encourages ongoing engagement from its members in discussions surrounding environmental initiatives, reinforcing their mission to create a more responsible and resilient automotive supply chain.

For more information about the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment, visit www.supplierspartnership.org.