Magna loses Chief Strategy Officer Herbert Demel

Herbert Demel has stepped down from his role as chief strategy officer at automotive parts manufacturer Magna International Inc.

In a press release, Magna said Demel requested the change so he could pursue other interests, such as a newly-appointed professorship at the Technical University of Vienna.

Magna CEO Don Walker said Demel will take on a role of “special advisor” to Walker and his global executive team. The move was effective July 1, 2013.

Demel joined Aurora, Ont.-based Magna in 2002 and has held various senior executive management roles within the company, including service with Magna Steyr, Magna Powertrain, and Magna International as president of Magna China, India, Southeast Asia and South America.

Demel – a Vienna, Austria native – started his career at Bosch and went on to become chairman of the board of Audi AG, Ingolstadt, president of Volkswagen do Brasil, and CEO of Fiat Spa, Torino.