Alex Molinaroli: Johnson Controls CEO

Alex Molinaroli was born on October 7, 1959 in Parkersburg, West Virginia. His leaning was in the area of math and science graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Southern California in 1983. Alex went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois.  

While many career executives move from one company to another in search of greener pasture, Alex stuck to one firm and steadily rose through the ranks. In 1983 he joined Johnson Controls. He was exposed to multiple operations in the company holding positions in control systems, service sales, and operations.

Alex pushed for the development of consistent and effective sales management disciplines within Johnson Controls and worked to expand that consistent approach on a global basis. This involved more than 300 sales offices in almost 50 countries.

By January 2007 Alex became President of Johnson Controls Power Solutions business until January 2013. He was then named Vice Chairman of the company in January 2013. Johnson Control announced on July 2013 that Alex would become the CEO on October 1, and Chairman of the Board on January 1, 2014.

Alex has been very interested in electricity and batteries. With the Johnson Controls research lab he has been looking into what the battery-powered future might hold for a good number of years already. He is also the co-founder of the Electrification Coalition.

Johnson Controls operates in the global arena being a diversified technology and industrial frontrunner providing service to clients in over 150 countries. It employs around 170,000 individuals. The company’s focus is to create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles, and interior systems for automobiles.  The company traces its roots to the invention of the first electric room thermostat in 1885.