First launched in 1964, the Automotive Executive of the Year award recognizes excellence in leadership and boasts a list of past award recipients that reads like a "who's who" in automotive history. The award is not a popularity contest nor is it directly linked to company performance. More importantly, the award celebrates individuals who demonstrate great leadership and tireless dedication to the innovation and creative thinking needed to succeed in this industry.

Each year the award is presented at an elegant luncheon held at the historic Detroit Athletic Club. Now in its fifth decade, the event brings industry colleagues together in a warm atmosphere to recognize leadership excellence and vision.