Auto Alliance Names Bainwol As President & CEO

Washington, D.C. -- The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers announced today that Mitch Bainwol has been named President and CEO, effective September 1, 2011.

“The pace of change in technology and the marketplace is relentless today, and automakers recognize that Mitch Bainwol has a proven record of finding successful approaches to meet changing industry needs,” said Jake Jones, Vice President, External Affairs & Public Policy at Daimler. “Bainwol stands at the crossroads of two worlds. He not only knows how Capitol Hill works, but he also understands business models and the demands of the marketplace. He has a reputation as someone who brings people together, and we anticipate that he will be an effective and collaborative partner in steering the auto industry forward toward greater sustainable mobility.”

“It’s a great privilege to join the auto industry at such a dynamic time in its rich history. From fuel efficiency to safety, the industry’s innovation is nothing short of remarkable. Americans love cars and just as importantly, understand that the economic destiny of our country is linked to the success of this sector. I’m eager to jump into action and join the outstanding Alliance team, working with some of the most recognizable companies in the world,” said Mitch Bainwol.

Since 2003, Mr. Bainwol has served as the President and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the trade group representing the four largest music-recording companies. Bainwol joined the RIAA as CEO in 2003 following a 25-year career in federal policy. Bainwol helped lead the music industry’s campaign to curb piracy and transition its business to the digital world. The RIAA won a seminal U.S. Supreme Court MGM. v. Grokster decision that protects intellectual property rights in the digital age and also secured needed Congressional reforms, such as the PRO-IP Act, that update the nation’s anti-piracy laws.

Bainwol also helped revitalize a coalition of music organizations that work together on industry issues such as anti-piracy strategies and advocating a level playing field for digital music distribution models. He has strengthened artist relations and devised programs to promote and recognize emerging digital formats, such as expanding the RIAA’s Gold and Platinum Program to include legal downloads and mobile phone ringtones. The Washington Post called Bainwol a “Top D.C. Lobbyist and Man in Demand.” Capitol Hill’s Roll Call newspaper included Bainwol as one of the 50 most influential “politicos” in Washington. Campaigns and Elections magazine named him a “Mover and Shaker.”

Bainwol was born in Munich where his father was stationed. He grew up in Germany, the Canal Zone, Maryland, and Thailand before graduating from Frankfurt American High School. With an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and an M.B.A. from Rice University, Bainwol began his career as a budget analyst in President Ronald Reagan’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB). During his Capitol Hill time, Bainwol was chief of staff to two United States Senators, two political committees and several Senate leadership offices and became recognized for his campaign capabilities.

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The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 12 car and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz USA, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo Car Corporation. For more information, visit www.autoalliance.org.


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The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 12 car and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz USA, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo. Visit www.autoalliance.org for more information.