Navistar CEO to lead Quinn exports group
SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Pat Quinn Wednesday tapped the CEO of Lisle-based Navistar to head his Export Advisory Council, a group that will try to double the state’s exports in the coming years.
Navistar CEO Daniel Ustian said in a statement that more Illinois exports could help boost the economy locally.
“We have great companies, and Illinois is rich in assets and talented workers,” Ustian said. “With business leaders and the governor’s administration working together, we can gain a competitive edge in the global economy.”
Quinn made the announcement during his State of the State address Wednesday on the House floor.
Other members of the exports panel include Percival Baretto-Ko, a vice president with the Deerfield-based Astellas Pharma and Greg Brown, CEO of Schaumburg-based Motorola Solutions.
“Based on Motorola Solutions’ global footprint, Mr. Brown is very familiar with issues at the state, national and international levels and has a range of expertise applicable to what Gov. Quinn has asked him to do,” Motorola Solutions spokeswoman Tama McWhinney said in an email.
Quinn clearly has an eye on improving trade overseas. He made a recent trip to China, for example.
“Expanding trade opportunities in growth markets like China, Australia, Brazil and India puts Illinois products in the international marketplace and creates jobs here at home,” Quinn said in a statement.