Francois J. Castaing was named chairman of The New Detroit
Science Center Board of Trustees in 1998.
Under his leadership, a $30 million capital campaign for the
expansion and renovation of the Detroit Science Center was
launched. The New Detroit Science Center opened its doors in
July of 2001. To date, more than 1.3 million people, half of
them children, have visited The New Detroit Science Center to
learn more about the wonders of science, engineering and
technology in an entertaining environment.
Castaing is a 27-year veteran automotive executive with Renault,
American Motors and Chrysler. He is an engineer graduate from
Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts et Metiers in Paris. He
started his career in motors sport where he rose to the position
of Renault Sport Technical Director. He and his family moved to
Detroit in 1980 to facilitate the new union between American
Motors and Renault. When Chrysler acquired American Motors in
1987, he joined Chrysler to become Vice President of Vehicle
Engineering and pioneered an innovative way of designing and
engineering new automobiles. In 1996 he served as Executive Vice
President for Chrysler International Operations. Beginning in
1998, he served as technical advisor to the chairman until his
retirement from Chrysler in 2000.
Castaing has remained close to the automobile industry while
promoting science and engineering education. He is a member of
the boards of TRW, Amerigon, Durakon Industries and FIRST. He
also is chairman of board of the University Cultural Center
Association, a fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers and
a member of the United States National Academy of Engineering.
Francois and his wife Marlies reside in Michigan and in Arizona.
They are blessed with four daughters, one son in law and two
granddaughters.
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