Olney appointed TRW Automotive COO

Effective 1 January 2014, Patrick Olney will take on the role of chief operating officer at TRW Automotive Holdings. In his new position, the current president of Volvo Construction Equipment will report directly to TRW Automotive chairman and chief executive officer John Plant. Olney will be based in Michelin, USA, and replaces Steve Lunn, who previously announced his intention to retire effective 28 February 2014.

“Steve Lunn, who has been our chief operating officer since 2003, has been instrumental in building TRW Automotive into the successful business that it is today.  His leadership will be missed by all of us,” said John Plant. “Pat Olney is a well-rounded, hands-on, financially astute and globally experienced senior executive with 18 years of experience in roles of increasing responsibility at Volvo Construction Equipment. I am pleased to have an executive with Pat’s global experience and successful track record joining our team at TRW.  His operating style and laser focus will complement our existing team of talented executives.  The overlap between Pat and Steve will ensure a smooth transition and operational continuity.”

Olney began his career with Price Waterhouse in Canada.  In 1995, he joined Champion Motor Grader in Goderich, Ontario, Canada where he held several financial roles. Pat was appointed chief financial officer of the motor grader business after Champion was acquired by Volvo Construction Equipment. In 2002, Olney moved to Volvo Construction Equipment’s headquarters in Brussels to become the chief financial officer. After serving in this role he returned to Canada to become president of the Volvo motor grader business line from 2004 to 2007.  When Volvo Construction Equipment acquired the road development business from Ingersoll Rand, he moved to Pennsylvania to lead the combined road machinery division.  In 2009 he returned to Brussels to become executive vice-president, Operations, of Volvo Construction Equipment and in 2011 he became its president and CEO, the position he holds today.