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Lawrence A. Denton

Former Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

DURA Automotive Systems, Inc.

 

Lawrence (Larry) A. Denton joined DURA Automotive Systems, Inc. as chief executive officer and president in January 2003, and served as chairman from 2005-2008.  Denton led the $1.9 billion company’s global management team, directing all strategic and growth initiatives. Denton currently is President, and CEO of Denton Consulting.

 

Together with the senior leadership team, Denton developed and executed 503 (fifty-cubed), a restructuring plan that enabled DURA to emerge from Chapter 11 in less than 20 months. The plan improved DURA’s capacity utilization, operating efficiency and worldwide growth through manufacturing footprint consolidation, low-cost global sourcing and product innovation. Additionally, Denton and team implemented a long-term strategy to ensure DURA’s sustainability and world-class competitiveness. 

 

Denton’s career includes more than 30 years in the automotive industry.  Before joining DURA, Denton was president of Dow Automotive. Under his leadership, Dow Automotive grew to one of the top 100 global automotive suppliers. Denton increased revenue from $300 million to more than $1 billion in six years.  Prior to joining Dow in 1996, Denton spent 24 years with Ford Motor Company in a variety of senior management positions.

 

Denton is considered a dynamic and thought-provoking leader with an intense focus on service and product innovation. Denton frequently presents information on key trends and issues at major automotive industry events. Additionally, business and trade media often seek Denton’s insight on strategic issues challenging the automotive industry. From January 2009 to the present Mr. Denton has been the owner, President, and CEO of Denton Consulting advising private equity on M&A activity in the automotive supplier space.

 

A Sloan Fellow, Denton holds a Masters degree in Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a Masters in Business Administration from University of Michigan and a Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University.
 
Denton is past chairman of the board of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) in Troy, Michigan.  He currently serves on the boards of directors for the Economic Club of Detroit; Kettering University in Flint, Michigan; Autotemp Company in Batavia, Ohio and Tournament Players Club in Dearborn, Michigan.  Denton's philanthropic activities include supporting Cornerstone Schools and chairing major fundraisers for Karmanos and Hospice of Michigan.