Craig Price, 39
VP of global off-highway purchasing & supplier development, Dana
Name: Craig Price
Title: VP of global off-highway purchasing & supplier development
Company: Dana
Location: Zug, Switzerland
Age: 39
Family: Fiancee, Sharon
Born: Newport, South Wales
Nationality: British
Languages: English
Education: Higher National Certificate (HNC) in business administration, University of Wales, Newport; HNC and Higher National Diploma in mechanical and manufacturing engineering, University of Glamorgan, South Wales
What was your first automotive job and why were you interested in the industry?
I started as an engineering apprentice from school, as I was interested in cars and trucks.
Greatest achievement?
Initiating global commodity strategies within the Dana off-highway driveline technologies business unit, setting out the objectives to my team and allowing the global team to use their abilities and imagination to propose what and where Dana should be purchasing from in the future to allow us to remain competitive and continue to satisfy our customers.
Biggest failure and what it taught you?
Forming an opinion too quickly. I have come to realize the importance of listening more and getting others' opinions and points of view, especially where different cultures are involved.
What is your current challenge at work?
Developing a competitive supply chain in North America that's in line with our customers' requirements.
What about the auto industry surprises you?
The speed of change and how the markets adapt, especially in the developing world, where they work so hard. In Asia, for example, people don't say things are difficult; they just believe they can achieve and work tirelessly together to do that.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Whether you think you can or can't, you are probably right.
What advice would you give to a person considering a career in the auto industry?
Go for it, it's a tremendous industry to be part of.
If you were CEO of a company what would you do first?
Ensure I had the right people in the right jobs; create a long-term strategy to meet the needs of the customers and shareholders.
What job do you really want to have in the future?
Chief purchasing officer.
What do you do to relax?
Hiking, playing snooker, watching sports and keeping fit.
First car?
A red Ford Fiesta. It was 5 years old when I bought it.
Current car?
BMW 5 series.
Career Highlights
January 2014-present: VP of global off-highway purchasing & supplier development, Dana, Zug, Switzerland
2011-2013: VP of global production purchasing, Dana, Zug
June 2010-December 2010: Director of procurement, Europe, Dana, Zug
2007-2010: Director of procurement, commercial vehicle systems (CVS) Europe, ArvinMeritor, Amsterdam, Netherlands
2000-2007: Various commodity manager & community buyer roles, ArvinMeritor, Amsterdam & Detroit, Michigan, USA
1996-2000: Supplies engineer & materials engineer roles, ArvinMeritor HVBS, Cwmbran, Wales
1991-1996: Engineering apprentice, ArvinMeritor HVBS, Cwmbran