LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Rick Snyder has tapped a veteran auto industry executive to become the state's automotive adviser.
The appointment of Nigel Francis and creation of the Automotive Industry Office were effective as of Sunday. Francis will make $170,000 a year in his new job.
The new position and new office will be housed in the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
MEDC President and CEO Michael Finney says Michigan needs a way to reach senior-level executives in one of its most important industries. The goal is making sure the state remains the leader in automotive design, engineering and manufacturing.
Francis has 29 years of executive experience in the auto sector. He most recently worked for Tata Technologies in Novi and Troy.
Snyder announced Francis' appointment on Tuesday.
