David C. Dauch

DCD 2023 headshot

Education & Experience


Joined AAM in 1995

Our Leadership

David C. Dauch

Director since 2009


David C. Dauch is Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer of American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM), a Fortune 500, Global Tier 1 Automotive Supplier headquartered in Detroit, Michigan.

David is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of AAM which include nearly 80 facilities in 18 countries.  He is also responsible for developing and implementing the Company’s operating and strategic objectives as well as providing AAM’s Board of Directors with the vision and insight that is vital to AAM’s strategic plans. 

Since joining AAM in 1995, David has served in several positions of increasing responsibility including most recently Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (2013 - Present), President & Chief Executive Officer (2012), and President & Chief Operating Officer (2009).  David originally joined AAM as the Manager of Sales Administration.

David has nearly 40 years of experience in the automotive industry.  He began his automotive career in 1982 as a Manufacturing Co-op student with the former Chrysler Corporation.  He continued with Chrysler’s Summer Co-op Program until he completed his bachelor’s degree.  In 1987, David joined Collins & Aikman Products Company where he held several operations and sales positions.  He also received the company’s President’s Award for leadership and innovation. 

He has served on the Board of Directors of AAM since 2009 and currently serves on the Boards of Business Leaders for Michigan, the Detroit Regional CEO Council, the Detroit Economic Club, the Detroit Regional Chamber, the Detroit Regional Partnership, the Detroit Mayor’s Workforce Development Board, the Great Lakes Council Boy Scouts of America, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), and the Amerisure Mutual Holdings, Inc. and the Amerisure Companies.  David is also a member of the General Motors Supplier Council, Stellantis Supplier Advisory Council, the Sustainability Leadership Council of Michigan, and the Miami University Business Advisory Council.

Previously, David was a member of the Board of Directors at Collins & Aikman (2002-2007), Horizon Global (2015-2018), Original Equipment Supplier Association (OESA), and also served on the FCA NAFTA Supplier Advisory Council.

David has received several significant business and leadership awards including the prestigious Ellis Island Award, the EY Entrepreneur of The Year Award (Michigan and Northwest Ohio region), and the Automotive News All Star Award.

David obtained a B.S. degree in Management (Production/Supply Chain) from Miami University in 1986. He also received an MBA from Michigan State University.

David and his wife, Anita, reside in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and have four adult children and four grandchildren.