CSI Group runs a company based on the premise of teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect. We are proud to say the people who are the driving force of that (in and outside their departments) embody these core values and principles. Our leadership team unites us in an overarching goal to make CSI the leading automation and problem solving company in our market.
Thad Johnson
CEO
At the helm of CSI Group sits CEO Thad Johnson. Since 2005, he has viewed the company as a unique player in the automotive manufacturing industry and even more so as the company continues to grow and diversifies its services and products.
Thad’s favorite quote (by his youth soccer coach) “Pass when you can, not when you have to,” has enabled him to create a synergistic, collaborative company culture at CSI.
“Throughout my career, this concept of seizing on opportunity has remained a guiding light. It helps ensure our people understand the value of planning, creating options, timing, and intent.”
Creating a unique and supportive company culture is vital to Johnson’s team at CSI. “We cultivate problem solvers and maintain an intense but enjoyable work environment,” he says. With the emphasis on a collaborative, flowing, and enjoyable work environment, he sees the growth and camaraderie of his colleagues coupled with the respect they’ve earned in the automotive industry through CSI’s collective successes, failures, and willingness to own both.
Thad’s passion for his work comes from his pride in what they do for their customers. He believes their ability to solve problems and tackle issues that others might turn away separates them from their competitors. “We’ve consistently filled unique gaps in the automotive industry,” he comments. “Our philosophy has been anchored in our intent to raise the bar in this industry.”
To say Thad likes a challenge would be an understatement. After graduating from college, he decided to cycle solo in rural Japan with only $1,000 in his wallet. At the end of his journey, he proved that he could support himself financially and follow his passions in any situation.
When he’s not at work, you can find Thad spending time with his wife and three daughters in their many activities, endeavors, and travels.
Nathan Joseph
President
Often saying that “he’s in it for the long haul,” CSI President Nathan Joseph has been directly involved in the company’s growth during the nine years he’s been with the company. Nathans’ long-term commitment to CSI is evident in his daily efforts, he truly enjoys his role at CSI Group and finds inspiration by shaping the trajectory of the company. Nathan takes pride not only in the finished products and services they offer, but in the everyday fulfillment of the people he works with and their families as well.
Nathan fully understands the technology in this industry is ever changing, so he works diligently across all disciplines to ensure CSI keeps up and leads industry advances. He encourages all of the team members to speak up when they have an idea, change, or suggestion. “I see our continued improvement as a company through the perspectives and opinions of our entire team,” he says. “I try my best to support from all directions in order to meet our common goal of finishing strong.”
When he’s not working, Nathan enjoys time with his wife and supporting his children’s many endeavors. He’s also an avid woodworker.
Michinori Kato
CSI Japan President
Michinori Kato is a consummate professional. His 20-year career has yielded invaluable global connectivity that CSI relies upon each and every day. As we sought expansion into a market that has been impenetrable by 99% of American outbound automation companies, we needed someone exactly like Michinori, and he has definitely helped us crack the code for that expansion.
Kato often says, those who don’t think about ‘what to do’ deeply will never see how to ‘make it happen.’” He does both with precision and we appreciate the leadership skills he brings to our company.
He is grateful for the team that has been assembled and finds genuine satisfaction in the development and growth of them. Kato also sees an abundance of strength in our collective will power. The kind of will power that enabled him to embrace the adventure of racing cars on the Japanese circuit in his former years. Currently, when not working, he enjoys watching his children embrace their own passions in youth sports.
Shinya Takaki
CSI Japan Vice President
Shinya Takaki decided to join the CSI team after realizing that one of our core values — to continually push the limits — resonated with his own life experiences.
After five years as president of a controls/panel manufacturer, Takaki joined CSI to strengthen our presence in the Asian market. He recognizes the value in building a culture that overcomes international complexities. He takes pride that in his tenure with us, we’ve successfully tackled complex projects from all across the globe.
These days, Takaki feels completely at home at CSI and looks forward to “riding this bullet train into the sunset.”, as he often says. He’s proud of a team that finds strength in cultural differences.
He also recognizes that time is a precious gift not to be squandered and approaches his professional and personal life accordingly. When he’s not working, you’ll find him blowing off steam gaming with his kids, traveling or frequenting the local karaoke bar.
Steve Hughes
General Manager
General Manager Steve Hughes believes in doing whatever it takes to ensure CSI is at the top of its industry. He attributes the company’s success to focusing on what’s important and working together. “Our people is our strength,” he says. “We built a team that works very efficiently and effectively together.” He also appreciates the diversity as a company. “CSI has brought together high capacity people who work together to get the job done at a very high level,” he says.
When Steve joined CSI Group in 2013, he saw an opportunity to make a difference in something and not be just another gear in the machine. He appreciates the diverse family environment that he often sees. “It’s very common for CSI employees to gather together during non-working hours to have fun and blow off steam,” he says. CSI keeps one eye on efficiency and another on productivity. Steve appreciates this approach and recognizes it brings out the best in the team.
His biggest professional motivation is his wife and children. “I want to make my family proud of the things that I’ve accomplished,” he says. An avid bicyclist and former national champion, Hughes still bikes 100 miles per week. He also keeps the mood light around the office/shop daily with a positive and humorous approach to all things he touches.
Ryohei Suzuki
General Manager, Project Management and Design
Originally from Japan, Ryohei Suzuki came to Kentucky to be the General Manager of Project Management and Design for CSI. He believes teamwork is crucial for the success of CSI Group and appreciates the easy-going culture of the company.
Ryohei’s professional inspiration comes from a favorite saying… “Everyone is highly motivated, efficient, and I am affected by it.” That focus on motivation and efficiency helps him to perform more precisely as well, because it matters. His current passion is also fueled by his desire to be a part of an upcoming Toyota vehicle introduction to the market. Suzuki’s vast technical experience in the industry, in both Japan and North America, give him a unique perspective and depth that guides the core of our project leadership.
Now living in Kentucky with his wife and children, the entire family has embraced life in the Bluegrass. “My family is in full throttle living abroad,” he says. “Every day is a challenge, but we love Kentucky.” The family enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, and relaxing together. When Ryohei returns to Japan, he is a Japan Rail trainspotter, with the ultimate goal to ride all the trains.
Stephen Barker
Senior Controls Advisor
For the past 15 years, CSI Senior Controls Advisor Stephen Barker has worked to design its equipment for both maximum efficiency, and the ability for the production team members to safely maintain and operate. Stephen’s experience over the years across multi-generational technology positions him to be a critical thought-leader in CSI.
Barker describes CSI’s company culture as “continuously refining our skills and knowledge, as a team (and as individuals) to deliver the best product possible to our customers.” Because CSI has a consistent reputation for positive problem-solving that exceeds customer expectations, he knows that CSI and its team members will pay attention to detail and accuracy in documentation. That level of expertise and years of knowledge in the product and customer standards set CSI apart from its competitors.
When Stephen is not working, he enjoys spending time with his daughter and granddaughter and working on cars, cooking, travel, and home projects. One of his favorite hobbies is researching his family ancestry and collecting/cataloging family heirlooms.
Melanie White
Controller
CSI company controller Melanie White is no stranger to numbers and details. She spends her workday analyzing finances, maximizing every dollar and yen for the company to ensure its financial and service success.
Melanie knew early in life that she wanted a career in accounting and finance. Her role as controller at CSI allows her to meet this goal and now she even expands it internationally. “It is very satisfying to contribute to the company’s financial success and resolve financial problems,” she says. “CSI Group has offered me so many great opportunities to explore and expand my knowledge of complex international accounting,” she says. “This position presents me with unique challenges every day but also the opportunity to grow and develop as a leader.”
One of Melanie’s favorite things about CSI is the camaraderie she feels working with all the departments, not just the business office. “Everyone at CSI contributes to its success. Everyone works toward the same goals because we are all part of the same team,” she says. “We help each other be successful.”
When Melanie isn’t working, she spends time with her family, including grandchildren. She also enjoys boating, reading, and card games.