John Waraniak Named Henry Ford II Influential Automotive Executive of the Year by SAE International

DETROIT, MI – April 17, 2024 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) –  John Waraniak, CEO and Founder of Have Blue Designs and Automotive Executive Advisor at Troy Lee Designs, has been named the Henry Ford II Influential Automotive Executive of the Year by SAE International . The award, created by Ford Motor Co. in 1988, recognizes new generations of leaders in automotive engineering by acknowledging individuals making a difference in ground transportation and mobility through significant industry contributions and corporate value, just as Henry Ford II did throughout his career.

• SAE International Henry Ford II Distinguished Award for Excellence in Automotive Engineering recognizes individuals for their executive leadership and significant contributions in Automotive Engineering

• Waraniak was selected for his industry achievements and impact on vehicle systems engineering, lean product-process development, program management, technology transfer and motorsports safety.

Waraniak received the Henry Ford II Award at the Mobility Industry’s Highest Honors Ceremony during SAE’s 2024 WCX World Congress Experience in Detroit, MI. World Congress Experience WCX™ provides an unmatched opportunity that unites the international engineering community to address mobility’s key challenges, opportunities, and solutions for connected, automated, and electrified vehicles and global solutions defining the future of mobility.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected as the recipient of the 2023 SAE International Award for Influential Executive in Automotive, honoring Henry Ford II, and would like to thank my longtime friend and mentor, Dr. David Cole, Chairman Emeritus of the Center for Automotive Research for nominating me, as well as my industry colleagues Mark Reuss, President of General Motors, and Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company, for their support and letters of recommendation.”

“My hope is this award continues to inspire next-generation automotive leaders – as it has done for me – to go faster, go further and make a difference in the coolest industry and technologies in the world,” said Waraniak. “Henry Ford II led the creation of the iconic Mustang and Ford’s legendary GT40 victories at Le Mans in the 1960s. His influence shaped my career direction in engineering and racing and lives on today with this prestigious award honoring his name and legacy, as well as Ford’s return to Formula 1 Racing in 2026 and Le Mans…