David Ha
Rochester,MI
Summary
SALES DIRECTOR | NORTH AMERICAN AUTOMOTIVE GROWTH LEADER
OEM & Tier-1 Program Acquisition | Full-Cycle Commercial Ownership | Team Leadership
High-impact automotive sales executive with 20+ years of experience driving new program acquisition across North America. Proven leader in winning and executing complex OEM and Tier-1 programs from opportunity development through quotation, negotiation, contract execution, and
SOP launch.
Track record of delivering $1B+ in lifetime bookings, building strategic customer partnerships with GM, Stellantis, Ford, Hyundai/Kia, BorgWarner, ZF, and emerging EV OEMs. Experienced player-coach who builds high-performing teams, manages full commercial pipelines, and aligns cross-functional organizations to deliver sustainable growth.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
President, Regional Business Development
LS Automotive
Troy, MI
01.2018 - Current
- Drove strategic growth of North America automotive OEM and Tier-I supplier business, increasing new order intake from $35M in 2017 to $310M in 2020 by securing programs with GM, Stellantis, Ford and Tier-I supplier
- Achieved 8X revenue increase across North American automotive sector through contract acquisition and market penetration with major OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers
- Led cross-functional team, encompassing Sales, Program Management, and Engineering, ensuring comprehensive support for key accounts
- Managed critical launch, delivery, production, and quality issues with Mexico manufacturing plant to ensure seamless program execution
- Served as primary liaison between North American customers and Mexico facility to mitigate operational risks and address production challenges
Director of Business Development
LS Automotive
Anyang, S. Korea
02.2012 - 12.2017
- Restored relationships with GM NA Engineering, elevating company from no-bid to bid list in 2012
- Secured $45 million new business win by leading Chrysler project team for Steering Column Control Module.
- Achieved $58 million global project by proposing carry-over design for Chrysler product to Fiat
- Booked $32 million in new business with GM Korea for switch product line
- Provided technical support that secured $150 million contract for ABS/ESC Brake Housing Assemblies
- Served as primary liaison for Chrysler and GM accounts, ensuring effective communication
- Managed Program Managers, overseeing development projects for major automotive customers
- Directed Concept Engineering team, leading customer requirement reviews and technical presentations
Business Development Manager, Hyundai Kia NA
Delphi (Aptiv)
Auburn, Alabama
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Promoted advanced products and technology solutions to key Hyundai/Kia contacts, generating interest and new business opportunities
- Served as dedicated Account Manager for connection system business, nurturing strong relationships with Hyundai/Kia USA stakeholders
- Provided timely technical insights and market feedback to contribute to new project development cycles
Director, PM and Engineering
Delphi (Aptiv), Korean JV
Shanghai, China
06.2009 - 12.2010
- Established business pursuit center in Shanghai, increasing bookings from $50 million to $200 million within three years
- Drove fourfold increase in bookings through strategic collaboration between engineering and sales teams
- Defined and introduced new customer segments and products in Chinese market via partnerships with sales team
- Managed relationships with OEM clients in China, including SAIC, SGM, SGMWuling, DYKMC, and BHMC
- Led technical design reviews with diverse customers to align on product specifications
- Tracked and reported engineering KPIs during management reviews to drive continuous improvement aligned with corporate goals
- Oversaw engineering team’s compensation, performance evaluations, and budgeting to maintain headcount within budget parameters
- Set material cost reduction targets, collaborating with purchasing and engineering to achieve significant savings
Manager, Program Management and Engineering
Delphi (Aptiv), Korean JV
Wuxi, China
06.2005 - 05.2009
- Supported various manufacturing operations within a joint venture (JV) production plant, ensuring seamless coordination between engineering and production teams
- Oversaw full lifecycle management of automotive switches, sensors, electronics, and relays
- Directed product design engineering to meet departmental objectives
- Managed engineering processes from concept design through production support for Chinese OEM and BMW
- Established DFMEA and design review processes to enhance product reliability
- Implemented document control protocols and managed Bill of Materials systems
- Led initiatives that improved operational efficiency and elevated product quality
- Supported SAP/VEGA integration to optimize operations and data management
- Expanded engineering capabilities in China by hiring and training teams to meet business needs
Manager, Sales and Program Manager
Delphi (Aptiv), Korean JV
Downers Grove, Illinois
04.2003 - 05.2005
- Served as primary Account and Program Manager for Korean automotive supplier in North American market
- Coordinated technical presentations and design reviews with engineering teams for various automotive products
- Managed customer quality support, ensuring effective containment for automotive switch at GM plant
- Secured sales growth from $0 to $28 million in one year, reaching $36 million in 18 months
- Facilitated global RFQ activities and online bidding processes, engaging major OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers
- Negotiated price increases with GM Purchasing, showcasing strong contract management abilities
- Oversaw development to production launch of GM automotive switch program within one year
- Delivered Delphi headphone program from development to production in seven months
Engineer, Structural Development
Delphi (Aptiv)
Troy, MI
04.2002 - 03.2003
- Secured Record of Invention approval and filed patent for innovative steering technology
- Developed structural cockpit components, meeting OEM vibration, strength, and crashworthiness standards
- Coordinated initiatives to optimize material usage for Epsilon modular cockpit program
- Managed integration projects for steer-by-wire technology into instrument panels, improving vehicle performance
Project Engineer
Delphi (Aptiv)
Warren, Ohio
02.2001 - 03.2002
- Secured U.S. Patent in 2003 for innovative automotive column stalk switch design
- Managed portfolio of switch production programs, achieving annual cost reduction of $1.25 million
- Developed global engineering change procedure by analyzing practices across Daesung and North American teams
- Standardized validation test specifications by consolidating requirements from Daewoo, Hyundai, GM, and Chrysler
Education
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, OH03-2000
Skills
- Cross-functional leadership
- Customer relationship management
- Business development and sales
- Technical presentations
- Team building and program management
- Account management
Languages
Korean
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
President, Regional Business Development
LS Automotive
01.2018 - Current
Director of Business Development
LS Automotive
02.2012 - 12.2017
Business Development Manager, Hyundai Kia NA
Delphi (Aptiv)
01.2011 - 01.2012
Director, PM and Engineering
Delphi (Aptiv), Korean JV
06.2009 - 12.2010
Manager, Program Management and Engineering
Delphi (Aptiv), Korean JV
06.2005 - 05.2009
Manager, Sales and Program Manager
Delphi (Aptiv), Korean JV
04.2003 - 05.2005
Engineer, Structural Development
Delphi (Aptiv)
04.2002 - 03.2003
Project Engineer
Delphi (Aptiv)
02.2001 - 03.2002
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
The Ohio State University