Tom LaSordaGary Malerba
Tom LaSorda, former president of Chrysler, has joined the board of Toronto-based lithium-ion battery producer Electrovaya Inc. .
Mr. LaSorda will also work alongside Electrovaya chief executive officer Sankar DasGupta to advise on the firm's growth strategy, the company said.
"We are pleased to have Tom join Electrovaya as a board member and as special adviser to the CEO," Mr. DasGupta said in a statement.
"Tom brings extensive management experience and industry knowledge to Electrovaya as it develops key partnerships within the global auto industry and as it navigates a period of exceptional market growth."
Mr. LaSorda said he was looking forward to helping Electrovaya with its growth strategy, praising the company's environmentally friendly approach and cutting-edge technology.
"This is an exciting time for Electrovaya and the industry as it transitions to adopt more efficient, cleaner technologies in the production of new vehicles. I am very impressed with Electrovaya's roster of automotive partners, its proprietary technology and its toxin-free manufacturing process for lithium ion batteries," Mr. LaSorda said.
"As the only major zero-emission manufacturer of lithium ion batteries, Electrovaya is uniquely positioned to address this vast new market for electric vehicles and other products."
Mr. LaSorda, who is from Windsor, Ont., has worked in the auto industry for more than 30 years, including a 23-year stint at General Motors. He most recently served as president and vice-chairman at Chrysler, leaving last June when the company was acquired by Italian auto maker Fiat Group SpA.
Chrysler has foundered in recent years as demand for gas-guzzling vehicles waned across North America. The auto maker filed for bankruptcy protection in 2008 and was forced to restructure with the help of a multibillion-dollar government bailout.