Dauch Corporation Bolsters Board of Directors with Industry Leaders
In a significant move for its corporate governance, Dauch Corporation, publicly traded under the NYSE code DCH, has recently announced the expansion of its Board of Directors with the addition of two seasoned industry veterans: Simon Mackenzie Smith and Fiona MacAulay. This strategic decision, unveiled on February 5, 2026, by Chairman and CEO David C. Dauch, is expected to inject fresh perspectives and valuable expertise into the board as the company navigates a pivotal phase following its acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries, GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy.
Simon Mackenzie Smith boasts over 35 years of extensive experience in corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions. His impressive track record includes advising on some of the largest and most impactful transactions in the UK market, such as Royal Dutch Shell's landmark $52 billion acquisition of BG Group in 2016. Prior to his retirement in 2021, he held the position of Chair for Corporate and Investment Banking in the UK and Ireland at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Currently, Mackenzie Smith serves as the Chair of TORM plc and has previously held leadership roles at Dowlais Group plc, further enriching his understanding of the sectors in which Dauch operates.
On the other hand, Fiona MacAulay brings a wealth of knowledge from her 35-year career in the oil, gas, and resources sectors. Her experience spans various company sizes, from small startups to large multinationals. MacAulay has held pivotal executive positions, including that of CEO at Echo Energy PLC and COO at Rockhopper Exploration PLC. Since transitioning from these executive roles in December 2018, she has increasingly focused on non-executive and advisory positions within the resources and industrials sector, thus amplifying her relevance in today's ever-evolving energy landscape.
Both new board members previously served on the Dowlais Group plc board, which provides Dauch with leaders who not only understand the intricacies of the automotive supply chain but also possess deep insights into recent market shifts, particularly relevant to Dauch's post-acquisition phase.
Dauch Corporation, recognized as a leading supplier in the driveline and metal forming domain, serves a global automotive market with a diverse range of products suitable for electric, hybrid, and conventional vehicles. With a manufacturing footprint in 24 countries and over 175 sites, the company is poised for transformative growth as it adapts to industry changes and technological advancements.
David C. Dauch expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, stating, "I am pleased to welcome Simon and Fiona to the Dauch Board of Directors. They bring extensive experience across multiple industries and jurisdictions, including a deep understanding of the European market at a transformational time for our company."
With the addition of Mackenzie Smith and MacAulay, Dauch Corporation appears well-prepared to steer its strategic initiatives successfully while capitalizing on emerging opportunities in the automotive sector. The company invites those interested in learning more about its new directors and overall vision to visit its official website at www.dauch.com.
In conclusion, the expansion of Dauch Corporation's board signifies a proactive approach towards integrating seasoned leadership that can effectively guide the company through its current and future endeavors in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. As the industry embraces new technological paradigms and sustainability directives, Dauch Corporation is committed to maintaining its competitive edge and fulfilling its role as a primary player in the global automotive supply chain.