AIAG welcomes Rivian Automotive’s Fred Johns and Magna International’s Lina Bucci to our Quality Steering Committee (QSC)!

In his current capacity as Senior Director of Global Strategic Quality Excellence for Rivian Automotive, Fred Johns’ oversight of Quality spans the entire product lifecycle, from concept design to end of life servicing. Other areas of expertise for Fred include strategy, product development and manufacturing engineering, operations, sales, problem solving and operational excellence, program and project management, capital planning, and building and leading global teams. 

With a similarly diverse skillset, Lina Bucci – Vice President of Quality at Magna International – holds global responsibility for 347 manufacturing facilities, ranging in various commodities, supplying to all major OEMs. She is also responsible for global quality and operational systemic improvement, customer management, execution of strategic operational and quality initiatives, talent development, and much more.

Read on to hear from Fred and Lina on why it’s important to come together at AIAG, how they keep up on industry news, and more!

Why do you think it’s important to come together at AIAG and participate in events or volunteer for other activities? 

FJ: To manage quality well, means we come together across all teams to deliver results that will make our world a better place for ourselves and our kids. We need to challenge each other to constantly find better ways of bringing great products to market that serves our customers and the world we live in.

LB: If there’s one thing I’ve learned after 27 years in the automotive industry, it is that this is a team sport. Even though AIAG is a blend of companies that collaborate and compete with one another, we have many areas of common interest that no one company can master on its own. That’s why having a shared organization like AIAG is so important. We are much stronger if we leverage our different points of view and perspectives to advance our common goals. I strongly believe volunteering for committees and assignments only helps to promote our shared purpose. It develops a sense of community and allows people to build relationships that help them personally and professionally. It also is a great way to provide everyone a voice in shaping our priorities and continually improving how we do business in the automotive industry.

How do you keep up on what’s new and happening in the industry?

FJ: My network. I am not afraid to say, these friends have come from 30+ years of launching great products and solving tough problems. These relationships are my source of learning what is happening across OEMs and the supply base. Of course, I also rely on both online and in-print automotive news sources from around the world. 

LB: I read constantly. Whether it’s scrolling LinkedIn, checking our customer websites or scanning AIAG updates, I am always on the lookout for what is new in the industry globally. I also check a variety of news websites, including Automotive News and large newspapers like the Globe and Mail, because that way you hear what others are saying about local, regional and global industry developments. Finally, I think it’s important to personally connect with my customers and other contacts I’ve made through the years. Hearing the voices of my customers and industry colleagues, helps keep me closely connected to the pulse of the Industry.

Based on your years of automotive experience, what current or emerging trends do you think are most urgent for the industry to prepare for?

FJ: We urgently need to solve two problems, which are not new. First, managing significant change while not creating additional problems for our customers or our planet. Second, finding ways to make these changes faster with less work and bureaucratic drag, yet with greater quality.  

LB: Things are changing so fast and trends emerge more quickly than they ever did in the past. I would say there are five main areas: Acceleration of electrification; mobility as a service; autonomous driving; connectivity; and all of the evolving regulatory standards and product liability that support those changes. Personally, I love how so many parts and components of the industry are becoming more connected with each other. It used to be that a mirror was just that. But now it’s also a camera and part of a sophisticated system that makes the vehicle safer. I’ve always been a systems person, so observing how things fit together and looking for ways to make them better is really exciting.

What advice would you offer to those who are just starting out in the automotive industry?

FJ: Keep an open mind, challenge the status quo, and most importantly, find time to connect at a human level.  Walk out on the floor and touch and feel the issues around you. Constantly seek to understand, not to be understood. Those are some of the greatest lessons I have learned.

LB: The automotive industry is not for the faint of heart. It is an extremely fast paced and demanding environment. But that’s what also makes it so exciting. We get to work with smart, talented people who want to make the world a better place. For those who are just starting their careers, I would say be adaptable, because assignments and priorities can change quickly. However, those with strong critical thinking skills who enjoy collaborating with others will find endless and rewarding career opportunities within automotive.