Francois J. Castaing, Chairman

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.