Radhu Nagarajan, Ford Motor Company
2025 SAE Detroit Section Chair
Radhu Nagarajan is an accomplished Supplier Quality Manager at Ford Motor Company, with nearly two decades of automotive expertise. Throughout his career at Ford, he has excelled in various roles across different regions, including North America, Asia, and South Africa.
He started as a process analyst in Ford’s Dimensional Control Department, collaborating with body shops at multiple assembly plants. Radhu later served as a program engineer, contributing to the successful launches of the F-150®, Super Duty®, and Ranger® pickup truck programs. In his present role, he manages approximately 50 Tier-I suppliers for Body Exterior systems.
Radhu’s engagement with SAE began in 2000 during his undergraduate years and continued through his graduate studies and professional career. His active involvement encompasses various SAE events, such as SAE WCX™, Vehicle Events, Young Automotive Professionals Conference (YAPC), Car Shows, factory tours, and technical events.
He received the SAE Detroit Section Outstanding Younger Member Award in 2010 and chaired the Section’s YAPC at the Ford Dearborn Proving Grounds in 2017. He has held multiple leadership positions on the SAE Detroit Section Operations Board as well.
Radhu has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Bharathiar University, India and a master’s degree in engineering management from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan. He is a passionate automotive enthusiast who enjoys attending automotive events, go-karting, and riding motorcycles in his free time. Radhu also mentors middle school students for robotics competitions. He resides in Novi with his wife and two children.
