David M. Johnson is a distinguished automotive executive and transformational leader with more than three decades of experience across the OEM, supplier, and clean-tech sectors. With a career grounded in technical excellence and elevated by visionary leadership, he has steered companies through complex market conditions, global expansions, and product innovation cycles—all while keeping a sharp focus on operational efficiency and long-term strategic value. David’s depth of experience spans Fortune 500 giants like Ford and General Motors, to innovative startups and publicly traded clean-technology enterprises, making him one of the most versatile leaders in the industry.
David most recently served as CEO of Westport Fuel Systems, a publicly traded Tier-1 automotive supplier specializing in alternative fuel systems. Under his leadership, Westport achieved transformative milestones, including reorganizing global operations, acquiring a leading OEM LPG supplier, and securing over $100 million in new annual OEM business. He led the company through the volatility of the COVID-19 pandemic, raised over $250 million in capital, and positioned the firm as a frontrunner in hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine technology.
Prior to Westport, David was President and CEO of Achates Power, where he spearheaded the growth of the company from a pre-revenue startup to a globally recognized innovation leader in internal combustion engine technology. His tenure saw the development of ultra-clean, efficient, multi-fuel capable engines backed by over 215 issued patents and nearly 200 more pending. He successfully formed high-impact strategic alliances with global OEMs and tier-1 suppliers such as Cummins, Peterbilt, Delphi Technologies, and Saudi Aramco, while raising over $100 million in equity capital.
Earlier in his career, David held executive roles at Navistar International, where he led global product strategy and operations. He played a pivotal role in the development and fielding of the MaxxPro™ MRAP military vehicle—delivered on a 60-day order-to-deployment timeline—which resulted in over $3 billion in revenue and over 5,000 units fielded. His contributions underscored his ability to lead under pressure and deliver life-saving innovation at scale.
David also brings deep engineering and powertrain development expertise from his time at General Motors, where he led diesel engine programs for European markets. He managed cross-functional, international teams in Germany, Poland, Japan, and Italy, successfully launching powertrains that met Euro IV and Euro V emissions standards. His technical acumen combined with cross-cultural fluency made him a natural fit for managing global product rollouts and joint ventures.
His foundation in the automotive industry was laid at Ford Motor Company, where he served for 13 years (10 of which he served in leadership roles). He was responsible for full-vehicle development programs, including the launch of the 2003 Super Duty and Excursion. His tenure included notable accomplishments in product strategy, vehicle engineering, manufacturing strategy, and NVH systems, earning him Ford’s Customer Driven Quality Award and contributing to JD Power accolades for quality.
Beyond his executive career, David is the Co-Owner of Second Summit Partners, a consulting firm providing strategic advisory services to passenger and commercial vehicle businesses worldwide. This venture reflects his continued passion for innovation, sustainability, and forward-looking technologies that improve both performance and environmental impact across the mobility landscape.
David holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with Distinction and an MBA in International Business from Cornell University. He also completed a foreign exchange program at ESSEC Business School near Paris, France, further enriching his global perspective. He is a member of SAE International and is fluent in English with conversational proficiency in French.
Passionate about engineering, exploration, and performance, David is also a licensed pilot, avid car racing enthusiast, and outdoorsman who enjoys RVing, hiking, and camping. These pursuits mirror his professional ethos—pushing limits, staying curious, and striving for excellence in every environment.
David has served on the boards of Achates Power and Westport Fuel Systems and is now actively seeking new board opportunities. He is particularly interested in mid-cap companies in the automotive, mobility, advanced manufacturing, and clean-tech sectors. He brings a rare combination of technical depth, global operational expertise, capital markets experience, and visionary leadership that make him a high-value contributor to any corporate boardroom.
Character:
David is a purpose-driven leader whose integrity and dedication to innovation are evident in every professional milestone. He consistently puts the mission ahead of ego and inspires teams to work with passion and accountability.
Knowledge:
With expertise ranging from mechanical engineering to global manufacturing strategy, David offers deep insight into both the technical and commercial dimensions of the automotive sector. His command of product development, clean-tech, and OEM relationships is second to none.
Strategic:
David has repeatedly demonstrated strategic foresight by identifying growth opportunities, executing M&A, and navigating companies through challenging markets. He excels in aligning business goals with long-term innovation and shareholder value.
Communication:
David is a collaborative communicator who works seamlessly across executive teams, global stakeholders, and technical functions. His ability to distill complex topics into actionable strategies makes him a trusted advisor and leader.
