Aptiv, a global technology company focusing on creating a sustainable future of mobility, has announced that Sophia Velastegui will be joining the company as its chief product officer. Velastegui will leverage her expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), software architecture and product development for technology leaders such as Microsoft, Google and Apple to expand and commercialize Aptiv’s brain and nervous systems portfolio – accelerating growth opportunities for Aptiv with an industry-first, complex automotive software system that minimizes cost and maximizes flexibility.
“The early moves Aptiv made to align our portfolio to the safe, green, connected megatrends taking place today has put us in a position of strength,” said Aptiv president and chief executive officer Kevin Clark. “Aptiv will continue to drive industry trends, and solve our customers’ toughest challenges, with innovation led by trailblazers such as Sophia. With her expertise and the talented team of engineers she leads, Aptiv will continue to accelerate the industry and society’s transition to a software-defined future.”
A widely recognized technology industry leader and AI expert, Velastegui brings more than 20 years of experience at Microsoft, Google, Apple and Applied Materials. She joins Aptiv from Microsoft, where she served as the CTO of artificial intelligence and product head of Power Apps Edge within its Business Application Group, and general manager, responsible for the development of Microsoft’s AI and Search products.
“The next wave of growth for automotive will come from the software-defined vehicle,” commented Velastegui. “I am excited to join Aptiv at this pivotal moment. I truly believe Aptiv is uniquely positioned to deliver the turnkey, trusted software platform and AI-driven solutions OEMs need to rapidly scale innovation and deliver the safe, reliable, and intelligently-connected user experience consumers want.”
