Tarnutzer Named President Of AVL Powertrain Engineering

Stephan Tarnutzer has been named president of AVL Powertrain Engineering Inc., an independent company for development, simulation and testing technology of powertrains (hybrid, combustion engines, transmission, electric drive, batteries and software) for passenger cars, trucks and large engines.

With more than 20 years of experience, Tarnutzer has held several engineering leadership positions. Most recently, Tarnutzer was vice president of Electronics at FEV, where he was part of the global senior executive leadership team and the global head of the Smart Vehicle Center of Excellence.

“Today, the fast-track to the future requires expert guidance, not only for sustaining traditional powertrains, but also for electrification, vehicle and autonomous challenges,” said Don Manvel, chairman and CEO of AVL Americas. “Tarnutzer is a seasoned, customer-focused executive with the experience and vision to lead AVL’s Powertrain Engineering, Inc. (PEI) division as the automotive industry continues to undergo historic changes.”

Under his leadership, Tarnutzer’s Global Electrification, Connected Vehicle and ADAS group won numerous high-profile development contracts with global OEMs.

Tarnutzer’s diverse educational background serves as a foundation to make informed strategic and financial leadership decisions. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Technical University of Zurich, a B.A. in Economics and a B.A. in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University, an MBA from Oakland University, and is a graduate of the General Management Executive Leadership Program at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Founded in 1948, AVL’s North American headquarters are in the Detroit suburb of Plymouth, Mich., with a regional office in Lake Forest, Calif.