Rodney O’Neal, a 1976 Kettering University graduate and former Delphi Automotive PLC CEO and president, will deliver the Kettering University Commencement Address on June 20.

O’Neal retired as CEO and president of Delphi on March 1, 2014. Delphi is a premier global automotive supplier, with more than 150,000 employees, 126 major manufacturing sites and 15 technical centers in 32 countries.

A veteran of the automotive industry, O’Neal began his career with General Motors while attending Kettering University (then known as General Motors Institute). After graduation, he held a number of engineering, production and operational supervisory positions in locations throughout the United States, Portugal and Canada

O’Neal became president of Delphi’s Interior Systems Division in 1997 and later held senior executive level appointments in several Delphi divisions before becoming the company’s president and chief operating officer in 2005. He was appointed chief executive officer in 2007.

During his tenure as CEO, O’Neal led Delphi through a historic reorganization that transformed the company into a premier entity that is recognized as one of the best corporations in the global community. Today, Delphi has more than $17 billion in revenue and is considered an innovation and technological leader. Since Delphi’s November 2011 IPO, the stock price has increased by 3.4 fold.

A longtime resident of Michigan, O’Neal has remained an active member of the community, often dedicating his efforts to mentor underserved youth. He serves on the honorary board of directors for Real Life 101, a scholarship and mentoring program for at-risk African American males. He is a former member of the board of directors for INROADS Inc., an organization that helps to prepare underserved youth for corporate careers.

O'Neal has a bachelor's degree from Kettering University and a master’s degree from Stanford University. He served on the board of directors for Delphi, the Sprint Nextel Corporation and the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

Kettering’s 2015 Commencement ceremony will be at 11 a.m. in the Connie and Jim John Recreation Center. For more information, visit the commencement website.