Northwood University has selected David Oventhal, an industry veteran with over two decades of proven success, as its first-ever Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy.
“The creation of this professorship broadens Northwood’s role as the market leader for undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs for the North American automotive industry,” stated Matthew Bennett, vice president of strategic alliances and the Center for Automotive and Mobility Studies. “Dr. Oventhal brings a unique set of knowledge, skills, and experience to Northwood, and we look forward to what he will accomplish as he aims to excite, empower, and educate future industry professionals.”
Northwood received a $500,000 gift from distributor Subaru of New England, an industry-leading organization and well-respected brand in the automotive sector, to fund a new automotive strategy professorship.
“Northwood University has a rich history of excellence in the automotive industry,” stated Ernie Boch Jr., president and chief executive officer of Subaru of New England, when the gift was announced. “This industry — including production, wholesaling, retailing, and maintenance of motor vehicles — reaches into every state and territory in the U.S. and across the globe like virtually no other. We must have innovators leading this industry in the future, and we are proud to help bolster Northwood’s efforts of continuing to grow and deliver these renowned programs.”
The Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy will teach, conduct research, and engage in industry outreach to positively impact the rapidly evolving, dynamic, multi-trillion dollar automotive and mobility industry.
“We were committed to filling the position with an industry leader who will help ensure Northwood continues to expand our cutting-edge automotive industry programming, and I am confident Dr. Oventhal will achieve that and more,” Bennett stated.
“Northwood University has played a pivotal role in educating many of today’s industry forerunners,” stated Jeffrey T. Ruble, chief operating officer of Subaru of New England. “The next generations of automotive leadership are being shaped in a Northwood classroom right now. Subaru of New England is proud to welcome Dr. Oventhal to this position, and honored to support the education and success of this industry’s trailblazers.”
Oventhal’s extensive experience in the field involves teaching industry professionals at Royal Enfield Motors, and Kawasaki Motors Corp. In recent years, he has served as a senior product planner for Super73, a contract facilitator for the Motorcycle Industry Council, group manager for product strategy for Royal Enfield Motors, senior manager for corporate research and product management at Kawasaki Motors Corp, and a technical call center manager at American Honda Motor Co.
In addition, Oventhal is the president and founder of NXT Mobility and the author of two e-books, “The Fundamentals of Product Management: How to Become a Great Product Manager” and “Rethink How You Think: Creative Problem Solving for Product Management.”
Oventhal previously served on the board of the Personal Watercraft Industry Association and as the former Los Angeles chapter president of the Product Development and Management Association.
“Dr. Oventhal’s specialized training, certifications, instructional roles, and extensive professional experience make him an ideal candidate for Northwood’s inaugural Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy,” Bennett noted.
Oventhal stated he is excited to join Northwood University and contribute to its mission to develop free enterprise leaders who drive global economic and social progress.
“Having the opportunity to continue my work in strategy and innovation and further develop my teaching skills while helping future business leaders learn and grow is an exciting career transition,” Oventhal added. “I look forward to applying both an academic and real-world perspective to this position. I’m especially grateful to Subaru of New England for seeing the value this role can add to the successful outcomes Northwood contributes to the automotive industry.”
