Keith Johnson
Amsted Automotive Group
Vice President, Cold Form and Finishing Business Unit
Geneva, Illinois, USA
Vice President, Cold Form and Finishing Business Unit
Geneva, Illinois, USA
In the manufacturing industry where change is the only constant, Keith Johnson has carved a path of growth and achievement. He got his start at Amsted as an intern in college, and since then has worked his way up through nine roles at various Amsted entities, including Amsted Rail and BAC, before landing at Amsted Automotive. During his tenure, he has also participated in Amsted Rail’s leadership training program as well as the Amsted Industries Mike Swiderski Mentorship program. This extensive experience has enriched his understanding of the organization and equipped him with the insights to drive it forward.
"It's extremely dynamic, and every day is different"
Today, Keith’s responsibilities as Vice President of Piston Pin Operations encompass executing the company’s global pin plant strategy and diversifying the product portfolio. He feels he his thriving in the ever-evolving automotive industry.
“It’s extremely dynamic, and every day is different,” he remarks.
Keith’s ascent to leadership has been marked by a global perspective developed through his diverse roles within Amsted. He focuses on building sustainable autonomous teams, a testament to his strategic acumen. But he also attributes much of his success at Amsted to invaluable mentors who guided him along the way. Keith has been fortunate, he says, to always have had a formal or informal mentor to bounce ideas off, discuss different perspectives, and help Keith understand the big picture.
Keith has enthusiastically embraced formal mentorship opportunities, including his participation in Amsted’s Mike Swiderski Mentorship Program. This program has struck the right balance between structured mentoring and the open exchange of ideas among diverse personalities. Keith says he has been fortunate to have an exceptional mentor, but another perk of the program is having the privilege of connecting with several dozen colleagues from various parts of the business, all united by a shared commitment to common values and goals.
Amsted’s company culture, according to Keith, is a family-focused organization where people feel valued. His pride in being part of the company stems from the visible impact of his efforts on those around him.
“Success to me is watching a team accomplish something they didn’t think was possible. Nothing gives me more joy than seeing the ‘light bulb’ go on,” Keith asserts.
"Success to me is watching a team accomplish something they didn’t think was possible. Nothing gives me more joy than seeing the 'light bulb' go on"
Keith envisions himself continuing to grow as a senior leader at Amsted as his dedication to personal and professional development remains unwavering. He’s committed to getting better every day and making those around him better.
Mirroring Keith’s drive is Amsted’s non-stop innovation, which aligns with a sustainable business model. The company isn’t complacent in driving the future forward, but rather is actively and persistently working toward progress. Under the leadership of Keith and others like him, Amsted Automotive’s success the synergy of a dedicated team and their resolute pursuit of growth and innovation.
