Leadership changes at Forvia

Forvia, a major automotive supplier, has announced updates to its leadership structure, with Olivier Lefebvre taking charge of the JIKA region, which includes Japan, India, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Raphaël Viard has also joined the company’s executive committee, marking a new phase in Forvia’s strategic direction.

Lefebvre's expanded role

Olivier Lefebvre, who has worked at Forvia since 1995 and previously held roles as COO and executive vice-president, will now oversee the JIKA region in addition to his current duties. In a company statement, Lefebvre emphasized the importance of the JIKA region, highlighting its skilled workforce, strong client relationships, and potential for growth.

Strategic alignment for Forvia

Martin Fischer, Forvia’s CEO, stated that Lefebvre’s expanded role strengthens the connection between regional operations and the company’s overall leadership. Fischer explained that this move supports Forvia’s focus on performance, agility, and client support, and will help implement the company’s "local-for-local" strategy, which aims to tailor solutions to specific regional needs.

Raphaël Viard's background

Raphaël Viard, who joined Forvia in August 2025, brings experience in digital transformation and technology leadership from companies such as Alstom, SNCF, Saint-Gobain, and Bouygues Construction. His appointment to the executive committee signals Forvia’s recognition of the importance of digital technologies, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) in driving the company’s future success.

AI as a strategic focus

Viard emphasized that AI represents a new phase in Forvia’s transformation, with the goal of integrating AI across all areas of the company, including innovation, industrial operations, client relations, and decision-making. Fischer noted that Viard’s role underscores the growing strategic importance of AI and digital technologies in Forvia’s efforts to enhance competitiveness and operational performance.