Ericka Stephens Named Piston Group Chief Human Resources Officer

The Southfield-based automotive supplier Piston Group appointed Ericka Stephens as chief human resources officer.
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Ericka Stephens
Ericka Stephens

The Southfield-based automotive supplier Piston Group appointed Ericka Stephens as chief human resources officer.

The Piston Group is comprised of Piston Automotive, Irvin Automotive Products, Detroit Thermal Systems, and newly acquired A Lava. It designs, engineers, assembles, and manufactures a wide variety of automotive parts and systems. Piston Group was founded in 1995 by NBA champion Vinnie Johnson, and is one of the largest private, minority-owned automotive suppliers in North America.

In her role, Stephens will be responsible for assisting the CEO and executive leadership team with developing, implementing, communicating, and executing the Piston Group’s strategic plan for human resources.  She also will be responsible for advising internal business leaders as a key partner for critical decision support and guidance.

“Ericka’s successful track record of human resources leadership for complex organizations will be beneficial as we continue to develop and implement programs and strategies to attract, retain and develop diverse talent to achieve our growth objectives,” says Vinnie Johnson, founder and chairman of the Piston Group.  “Ericka’s expertise will advance our “Learning Organization” culture that supports and encourages personal development.”

Stephens comes to Piston Group with nearly 20 years of human resource experience.  Previously, she was chief human resources officer for Pace Industries in Novi where she developed and executed human resource strategy in support of the overall business, specifically in the areas of succession planning, talent management, change management, organizational and performance management, training and development, and community presence.

Prior to Pace Industries, Stephens was human resource vice president at Faurecia. Stephens earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Phoenix.