NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc. has announced the appointment of two individuals to its leadership team. 

Megan McDonald, an NGK associate for over 23 years, has been promoted to general manager of corporate planning. In this newly created role, McDonald will serve as a leadership team member and be responsible for the successful execution of NGK’s critical business initiatives from planning through implementation, expediting NGK’s decision-making process, creating transparency and optimizing its risk management. 

“I am pleased to announce that Megan McDonald has accepted the general manager of corporate planning position,” said NGK Director Strategic Planning and Administration Paul Abbott. “Megan has played a vital role in developing and implementing the project management team, adopting a technical APQP skillset to support corporate and enterprise-wide projects. We are excited to have her in this expanded role as her skill set will be further utilized to support our company’s risk management structure.” 

Alex Sanchez Salazar has joined the company as general manager of internal audit. In his new role, Sanchez Salazar is responsible for providing consult, audit and advisory services to effectively identify and address significant risks to the company across all business units. Sanchez Salazar joins NGK Spark Plugs with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing finance and compliance. 

“Alex Sanchez Salazar comes to us with extensive expertise in finance of the manufacturing sector,” said Ron Laboda, NGK vice president of finance and IT. “I am excited to have Alex join NGK and lead our internal audit team. I know his strong financial acumen will safeguard our company assets, minimizing risk while continuously improving our internal controls and business processes.”