Denso announced Thursday the promotion of Doug Patton to Executive Vice President of Engineering and Chief Technical Officer of Denso International America Inc. (DIAM). Additionally, Patton (SAE member, 1987) was also appointed Senior Director of Denso Corp. This appointment will be effective July 1, according to a release from the company.

In his new role, Patton will oversee operation of development facilities, testing and technical services, engineering administration, and the company’s product engineering. He joined Denso in 1986, managing heavy-duty electrical sales and strategic business development for the U.S. on-highway truck market. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Engineering.

Patton has long been involved in SAE International and served on the Board of Directors from 2007-10. Currently, he is a member of the SAE Finance Committee. Patton also serves on the Denso Foundation Board and the Board of Directors for the Engineering Society of Detroit. He is a member of the Detroit Economic Club, Lawrence Technological University’s College of Engineering Advisory Board, and the Executive Leadership Team of the North American International Powertrain Conference.

Patton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Bradley University in 1976 and a Master of Business Administration from Bradley University in 1984.