The board of directors at Westport Fuel Systems Inc., a global company for the engineering, manufacturing and supply of alternative fuel systems and components, has appointed Nancy S. Gougarty CEO, effective immediately, now that Westport’s current CEO, David R. Demers, has announced his retirement.
Spanning nearly three decades, Gougarty’s career in the transportation equipment industry includes senior automotive executive roles with several large automakers and auto parts companies. She has served as president and chief operating officer of Westport since July 2013. Before this appointment, Gougarty was on the board from February 2013 to July 2013.
“Nancy has proven her ability to work through complex development projects with major global original equipment manufacturers with a clear sense of what drives profits,” says Warren J. Baker, chairman of the Westport board. “Her most recent collaborative efforts leading the integration teams following the merger with Fuel Systems Solutions Inc. highlighted her skill in managing diverse groups across Europe, Asia and North America while stewarding key relationships with suppliers and joint venture partners. She is clearly the right person to lead our newly combined global company going forward.”
“The recently completed merger provides a natural point for us to take stock of our strategy and portfolio as we increase our focus on the operating lines that will drive long-term profitability,” says Gougarty. “Over the coming weeks and months, I look forward to engaging with all of our stakeholders as we shape and implement a strategy that will unlock Westport’s full potential and increase the value we provide for our customers and for our shareholders.”
In addition to her role as CEO, Gougarty will join the Westport board of directors as Demers steps down from the board.
Baker says that as the founding CEO, Demers helped build Westport from the initial research work conducted at the University of British Columbia into a company with global reach, developing strong relationships with several key global transportation OEMs working to reduce the environmental footprint of their vehicles.
Although he is retiring from the company, Demers will still be available to the leadership team in an advisory role through a transition period.
