Lear Corporation has appointed Jared Fedele as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective March 1, 2027. The announcement, released by the Southfield, Michigan-based automotive supplier, marks a planned leadership transition as current CFO Jason Cardew prepares to retire after 34 years of service.
Cardew will continue in his current role through February 28, 2027. Following that date, he will transition to a non-executive position as Executive Advisor to Lear's senior management team, a role he will hold through December 31, 2027. The company stated that this arrangement is designed to support an orderly transition and provide continuity on select strategic matters.
Ray Scott, president and CEO of Lear, described Cardew as a trusted partner who brought vision and rigor to the company's financial strategy. Scott noted that Cardew helped build a strong global Finance organization and played a key role in positioning Lear for continued profitable growth. Cardew responded by calling his tenure a privilege and expressing confidence in his successor. He highlighted his long-standing collaboration with Fedele and pledged to support a smooth handover.
Fedele brings 23 years of experience with Lear to the CFO role. His career includes leading Global Financial Planning and Analysis and holding senior operational finance positions across the company. He currently serves as Vice President of Finance for the Seating and E-Systems divisions, overseeing financial operations for both of Lear's main business units.
His background includes more than six years of finance leadership in the Asia Pacific region across two separate assignments. Fedele also gained significant experience in China while supporting the company's expansion in that market. Scott emphasized that Fedele's appointment reflects the depth of leadership talent developed within Lear. The CEO cited Fedele's experience in responding to key priorities such as tariffs and initiatives to improve profitability and drive value creation.
In his own statement, Fedele expressed honor at taking on the role and building on the foundation established by Cardew. He pointed to opportunities for innovation and strengthening competitiveness with global customers as drivers for the company's future strategy.
Lear Corporation identifies itself as the largest U.S.-based automotive supplier, with a heritage spanning more than 100 years. The company designs, manufactures, and delivers advanced technologies to major automakers, focusing on Seating and E-Systems solutions that enhance comfort, safety, and efficiency.