WESTFIELD, Ind.— Commercial vehicle safety system manufacturer IMMI announced that James Johnson has been promoted to vice president of business development and corporate sales. 

In his new position, Johnson works with CEO Larry Gray to develop new business plans and execute the company's global business strategy. 

"James Johnson's visionary leadership at IMMI has been the driving force in the company's development of new customers, new partners and new markets," CEO Larry Gray said. "During his 19-year tenure with IMMI, James has been instrumental in leading efforts to integrate advanced occupant protection on a wide range of commercial vehicles, from school buses to heavy trucks." 

Johnson has utilized his knowledge of occupant protection to advance the cause of occupant safety in the U.S., serving as a frequent speaker on school bus safety, rollover protection and child passenger safety. During the development and integration of lap-shoulder belts on school buses, he worked closely with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to define testing methodology that validates the performance of seating products. 

Johnson graduated with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University in 1990 and is a former ordnance officer in the U.S. Army. Since joining IMMI in 1991, he has held positions in customer service, account management and program management. Most recently, he served as director of sales.