Rick Van Laar
About Rick Van Laar
Rick Van Laar serves as the Manager of Product Integrity & Compliance at Navistar Inc, where he oversees investigations into safety defects in truck and engine products. With a background in engineering and business administration, he has held various roles at Navistar since 1995 and has been in his current position since 2012.
Work at Navistar
Rick Van Laar has been employed at Navistar Inc since 2012, serving as the Manager of Product Integrity & Compliance. In this role, he oversees investigations into potential safety defects in truck and engine products. He ensures that repetitive defects are addressed and communicated effectively in the field. Additionally, he acts as the primary liaison between Navistar and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as well as other government highway safety agencies. His responsibilities also include coordinating technical assistance for legal counsel in cases related to product integrity and compliance.
Education and Expertise
Rick Van Laar holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Indiana Wesleyan University, where he studied Business Administration and Management from 2005 to 2007. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) from the University of Michigan College of Engineering, completing his studies from 1983 to 1986. Additionally, he obtained an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from Davenport University, studying from 1980 to 1982. His educational background supports his expertise in product integrity and compliance.
Background
Rick Van Laar began his career at Navistar Inc as a Reliability Engineer from 1995 to 1998 in the Fort Wayne, Indiana Area. He then transitioned to the role of Manager of Product Compliance & Field Test, where he worked from 1998 until 2012. This extensive experience at Navistar has equipped him with a deep understanding of product integrity and compliance within the automotive industry.
Professional Responsibilities
In his current position, Rick Van Laar is responsible for overseeing the implementation of investigations into potential safety defects in truck and engine products. He ensures that any identified defects are properly campaigned and communicated in the field. His role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, to maintain compliance with safety regulations.