Meet our leadership team. With decades of experience and knowledge in the industry, our team is dedicated to ensuring NGK Ceramics continuously provides world-class products and customer service to our clients in every part of the world.

Steve Dailey
Chairman

Steve Dailey began working for NGK Ceramics in 1988 as the company’s first Manufacturing Manager.

Over the years his responsibilities grew. He held the roles of General Manager, Vice President, and President and was involved in the hiring process of the company’s current management team. Dailey established the original work instructions for plant processes as well as the effective training system still used today, and he oversaw the startup of the original processes. During his tenure, Dailey has gained valuable insight into the company’s many processes, which has helped him become the well-respected leader he is today.

Dailey graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology and went to work for Union Carbide in the Electronics Division in 1977. He served Union Carbide for 11 years before beginning his 30-year career with NGK Ceramics USA.

Kam Kumazawa
President

Mr. Kazuhiko “Kam” Kumazawa joined the team at NGK Ceramics USA in April of 2021 as President.

Mr. Kumazawa joined NGK Insulators, Ltd. in Aichi Japan in 1984. He held various positions through his first 16 years with the company before moving to Europe in April of 2000 to work at NGK Ceramics Europe and NGK Ceramics Polska, where he held the position of Director of Process & Technology.

In April of 2009, Mr. Kumazawa was transferred back to NGK Insulators, Ltd. and assumed the position of Plant Manager of the company’s Nagoya Plant.

In April of 2013, Mr. Kumazawa was promoted to the position of General Manager of the Process Engineering Department. In April of 2019, he was promoted to Deputy General Manager of the Manufacturing Division.

Mr. Kumazawa was awarded both a Bachelor and a Master of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering from Nagoya University in 1982 and 1984, respectively.

Todd Alexander
Vice President

Todd Alexander was named Vice President in April 2022. Along with his VP duties, he continues to serve as NGK Ceramics USA’s Director of Administration responsible for Human Resources, Training and Development, Information Technology, Accounting, Purchasing, Safety and Environmental, and Security.

Alexander began his NGK tenure in 1992 holding such roles as the Inspection Manager, Inventory Control Department Manager, and the Manager of Administration. Alexander lived in Nagoya, Japan, for two years, working in the Automotive Ceramics Product Engineering group after being assigned to NGK’s headquarters there.

Prior to joining NGK, Alexander worked for Cone Mills Corporation in Salisbury, NC as an Assistant Human Resources Manager, Training Manager, and a Production Supervisor. Alexander holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Finance from The University of South Carolina, a Master of Business Administration from Appalachian State University, and a Master of Science in Organizational Management from Pfeiffer University.

Bill Grabb
Director of Manufacturing

Bill Grabb joined NGK in 2005 after 25 years in the electronics ceramics industry. During his tenure he has been responsible for a variety of departments including Materials, Engineering, and Production Planning. He has served as the Director of Manufacturing since 2017 and is responsible for all manufacturing operations of NGK Ceramics USA and NGK Materials USA. Grabb received a Bachelor of Science in Ceramics Engineering from Clemson University.

Lee Johnson
Director of Engineering

Lee Johnson is the Director of Engineering at NGK Ceramics USA. He began working for NGK in 2003 as a Process & Technology Engineer with a primary focus on continuous improvement and cost reduction. He also worked heavily on the implementation of a new HONEYCERAM® product at that time.

In 2010, Johnson became the Process & Technology Manager where he oversaw the entire Process & Technology Department’s continuous improvement efforts. After seven years, Johnson took on the role of Assistant Engineering Director and was later promoted to the Director of Engineering where he is now responsible for all engineering functions across the facility.

Some of Johnson’s many accomplishments at NGK include the implementation of a new HONEYCERAM® product, the implementation of the clay recycling program, and the introduction of a new line for a new large substrate product. Lee Johnson graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology.