Kerrigan named head of Michigan automotive office

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today announced the appointment of Kevin T. Kerrigan as senior vice president to lead the state’s automotive office to replace Nigel Francis...

LANSING – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today announced the appointment of Kevin T. Kerrigan as senior vice president to lead the state’s automotive office to replace Nigel Francis who will take a senior executive position with an auto company in the state.

Kerrigan, who has served with Francis as vice president of the state automotive office, brings experience in the global automotive sector in North America, Europe and Asia. He led his own automotive design and engineering company for 20 years and worked at an executive level for Tier 1 suppliers prior to joining the state auto office.

“Nigel Francis has set a high standard as the first person to head our automotive office and will be missed as he moves back to the auto industry. Nigel brought a number of achievements in creating the automotive office and developing an automotive sector strategic plan,” said Governor Rick Snyder. “Kevin has been a key player in the auto office’s successes. The state is well-positioned to sustain Michigan’s global automotive leadership far into the future.”

The state automotive office was formed by Snyder and the MEDC in September, 2013, to strengthen the relationship between the state and its largest economic driver. Michigan is a global center of the auto industry and leads the nation with more than 375 automotive research and development, engineering and tech centers. The state also leads in key metrics including vehicle production, auto assembly plants, automotive parts suppliers and auto parts manufacturing.

“The auto industry’s growth in Michigan in recent years has been key to our economic recovery,” said Michael Finney, MEDC President and CEO. “We will miss Nigel as leader of our auto team but know he has laid a foundation for greater gains in the years ahead. Kevin is ably suited to step in and will keep our foot on the accelerator as we work to further our significant gains in this sector.”

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.