“When in doubt, say yes.”
Michael J. Hand is a seasoned executive leader whose career spans more than three decades at the intersection of manufacturing, automotive, industrial products, agriculture, and global commerce. With a personal motto of “When in doubt, say yes,” Mike has consistently embraced challenges that others might shy away from, turning each opportunity into a platform for growth, transformation, and cultural enrichment. His career journey is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in business and leadership.
Mike’s career began with a strong technical foundation. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University and later an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business, he set out to blend his engineering acumen with strategic business leadership. Early in his career, he developed a reputation as a trusted problem solver with the ability to align complex technical solutions with customer needs, laying the groundwork for his later success in leading large-scale commercial transformations.
His initial years at NASTECH Steering Technology, a joint venture between NSK and Torrington, provided him with invaluable exposure to Japanese automotive OEMs. Mike managed a portfolio valued at $42 million, forging key relationships with Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, while pioneering product line expansions that added $10 million in new sales. These formative years honed his skills in negotiation, technical sales, and cross-cultural collaboration, capabilities that would become hallmarks of his leadership style throughout his career.
Mike transitioned to The Torrington Company, later acquired by Timken, where he spearheaded sales strategies for General Motors’ Powertrain bearing portfolio. With responsibility for $105 million in annual revenue, he successfully increased market share by 14 percent and orchestrated contract renewals worth $92 million. These achievements underscored his ability not only to protect revenue streams but also to identify growth opportunities within competitive and dynamic environments.
His career trajectory advanced further at Sensata Technologies, formerly a division of Texas Instruments, where he managed key OEM accounts including Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Volkswagen. Leading a portfolio worth $118 million, Mike negotiated a pivotal $23 million annual contract with Chrysler, strengthening the company’s footprint in a critical market. More importantly, he built and mentored a sales team that achieved 15 percent compound growth with a 25 percent EBITDA margin, showcasing his talent for cultivating leaders and fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
From there, Mike joined Autocam as Sales Director for North America, where he successfully expanded sales from $92 million to $145 million over four years. He introduced advanced selling strategies, recruited high-potential technical professionals, and secured $82 million in long-term agreements with marquee clients such as General Motors, Continental, and Cummins. These successes cemented his reputation as a builder of durable commercial strategies and a leader capable of energizing teams to deliver measurable results.
In 2015, Mike accepted the role of Vice President of Global Sales at NN, Inc., which soon transitioned into Tsubaki Nakashima following acquisition. Based in Osaka, Japan, he assumed responsibility for a $650 million global enterprise and managed teams across Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. He rebuilt and unified a fragmented sales organization, aligning previously competing divisions into a cohesive, growth-focused team. His leadership generated $52 million in new business commitments and created a pipeline of $78 million in opportunities, demonstrating his mastery of integration and global market development.
Returning to the United States in 2021, Mike joined Ag Growth International (AGI) as Vice President of Americas Commercial. Leading six factory locations, 25 sales professionals, and more than 400 employees across the Americas, he oversaw the transformation of a CA$180 million business unit into one generating CA$300 million in annual revenue with EBITDA growth from CA$18 million to CA$60 million. His role required not only financial stewardship but also cultural integration, as he guided founder-owned businesses into AGI’s broader corporate framework while unifying sales, engineering, operations, and customer service functions.
Mike’s professional journey is not just defined by numbers and contracts but also by his dedication to cultural understanding and international collaboration. Having worked extensively in Japan, China, India, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, and Europe, he has developed a nuanced perspective on the interconnectedness of global markets. He thrives in environments where cross-cultural communication and adaptability are paramount, bringing diverse stakeholders together under a common vision.
Outside the boardroom, Mike is equally passionate. He is an avid traveler, motorcycle enthusiast, and outdoorsman who enjoys high-country backpacking and camping. These personal pursuits mirror his professional ethos—adventurous, strategic, and grounded in resilience. His involvement with organizations such as the American Bearing Manufacturers Association and the Grain Elevator and Processing Society reflects his commitment to advancing industry knowledge and fostering networks of innovation.
Today, Mike Hand stands as a leader who combines technical expertise, strategic foresight, and a people-first philosophy. His career illustrates how bold decision-making, when paired with disciplined execution and cultural empathy, can drive not only financial performance but also sustainable organizational growth. He is actively seeking opportunities to bring his extensive global experience, board-level collaboration, and transformational leadership to companies ready to scale, innovate, and succeed in an increasingly complex business environment.
Character:
Mike embodies integrity and resilience in every aspect of his leadership. He is known for his commitment to building trust with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders, ensuring that his decisions reflect both ethical responsibility and long-term value. His character has been shaped by decades of navigating global challenges with professionalism and a people-centered approach.
Knowledge:
With over 31 years of experience, Mike brings deep expertise across manufacturing, automotive, agriculture, and industrial products. His career demonstrates mastery in global sales, integration strategy, and product development, combined with a sharp financial acumen. He continuously leverages his technical foundation and MBA training to align business vision with execution.
Strategic:
Mike is a visionary strategist who excels at turning complexity into clarity. He has repeatedly transformed fragmented organizations into cohesive teams, designed growth pipelines that secure multi-million-dollar opportunities, and built commercial strategies that endure. His ability to anticipate trends and align global operations has made him a trusted leader in high-stakes environments.
Communication:
A natural communicator, Mike thrives in connecting with diverse audiences, from boardrooms to industry panels. He has led multicultural teams across continents, bridging language and cultural divides to create shared purpose and alignment. His approachable style and clear articulation of vision inspire confidence and commitment at every level of an organization.
