Joseph M. Perkins is a highly accomplished senior executive with over 30 years of experience in the automotive and manufacturing industries, demonstrating a strong track record in transforming global companies, navigating complex M&A transactions, and driving strategic growth. Currently, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer of PASLIN, a leading $350 million supplier of assembly automation systems, where he is charged with doubling the company’s size and expanding its global footprint. In his role, Joe oversees all core functions, including finance, legal, HR, engineering, sales, and program management, ensuring that PASLIN maintains its reputation for innovation and operational excellence.
Previously, Joe was the President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board for Mobex Global, a $400 million Tier 1 supplier known for providing light-weighting solutions for critical chassis components. Appointed in 2018, he led a complete transformation of Mobex’s strategic direction, implementing changes in customer strategy, product offerings, and capital structure. Under his leadership, Mobex became a diversified and agile organization, with a streamlined footprint and robust financial structure, making it more responsive to the evolving demands of the automotive industry.
One of Joe’s notable career accomplishments was his role as Chief Financial Officer of Joyson Safety Systems, where he led the acquisition and integration of Takata’s global assets. This highly complex transaction preserved the auto industry’s safety standards while ensuring Joyson Safety Systems was free of Takata’s legacy liabilities. Joe’s strategic leadership not only protected public safety but also solidified Joyson Safety Systems as a major player in the automotive safety market, now ranked as the second largest globally.
Joe’s expertise in IPO and capital markets is also well-documented through his tenure as CFO at Nexteer Automotive. He was instrumental in Nexteer’s initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2013, positioning the company as an independent, publicly traded entity. His responsibilities spanned investor relations, capital structure, public reporting, and strategic planning, all while cultivating strong relationships with the board and shareholders to support Nexteer’s growth trajectory.
Beyond his corporate experience, Joe brings a wealth of knowledge in managing cross-cultural teams, especially with a focus on China and Europe. His in-depth understanding of Chinese market practices, both in private and state-owned contexts, has been invaluable in facilitating Nexteer’s transition under Chinese ownership. His global perspective and cultural adaptability have been critical in aligning international teams and driving the growth of multinational organizations.
Joe is also known for his strategic foresight, having led multiple restructuring and operational improvement initiatives across various roles. His expertise in mergers and acquisitions, project management, and corporate governance underscores his ability to transform business operations and improve organizational efficiency. He has successfully led major restructuring efforts that included customer diversification, product strategy adjustments, and footprint optimizations, reinforcing his reputation as a strategic and agile leader.
In addition to his corporate achievements, Joe has a long-standing commitment to non-profit board service, including chairmanship roles. His past board affiliations include serving on the Business School Advisory Board for Saginaw Valley State University, the Board of Directors for Saginaw YMCA, and other prominent regional organizations. These experiences reflect Joe’s dedication to giving back to the community and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Outside the boardroom, Joe is passionate about family, golf, fitness, and music. His interests reinforce a personal ethos centered on balance, continuous improvement, and lifelong learning. Joe’s hobbies and personal interests align with his professional values of perseverance, strategic growth, and integrity.
Joe Perkins embodies the qualities of a visionary executive: an exceptional ability to lead, a dedication to fostering innovation, and a commitment to delivering sustained results. His leadership style is defined by adaptability, a focus on relationships, and a clear vision for organizational excellence.
Character:
Joe is known for his integrity, resilience, and ethical leadership, consistently fostering a culture of trust and respect within his teams. He brings a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to every role, ensuring that his decisions align with the best interests of the organization and its stakeholders.
Knowledge:
With decades of experience in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, Joe has a deep understanding of finance, operations, and strategic development, enabling him to navigate complex challenges effectively. His extensive knowledge of global markets, particularly in Asia and Europe, adds a valuable international dimension to his expertise.
Strategic:
Joe is a transformative leader, skilled at driving growth and restructuring initiatives that position companies for long-term success. His expertise in mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and capital optimization highlights his ability to enhance organizational value and market responsiveness.
Communication:
Joe excels in transparent and collaborative communication, engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders, including international teams and board members. His ability to build strong relationships has been instrumental in aligning strategic goals across global operations and driving cohesive, results-focused leadership.