Dan Nicholson

Senior Advisor @ P3

About

Fortune 500 Executive | Board Member & Advisor | Technology Leader Automotive and technology executive with more than four decades of progressive experience spanning leadership roles in technology, electrification, propulsion, software, and product engineering at General Motors. Board member with a reputation for bringing distinct thought leadership while fostering collaboration and constructively challenging the status quo to optimize enterprise and organizational performance. Domain expertise in global engineering management, product innovation, and quality imporvement across a variety of automotive technologies. Passion for mentoring talent and coaching next-generation leadership. Brings energy, enthusiasm, and integrity to all roles.

Country

United States

City

Detroit Metropolitan Area

Industry

Automotive

Skill

Strategy and Vision, Global Business Perspective, Board Advisory Services, Board of Directors, Board Level, Mechanical Engineering, Powertrain Controls, Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Internal Combustion Engines, Combustion, Quality Management, Automotive, Vehicles, Powertrain, Automotive Engineering, Engineering Management, Product Engineering, PLM, Statistics

Experience

Senior Advisor

2025-10 - Present · 1 yr

Chief Executive Officer

Epic Motors LLC

2025-4 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

Epic Motors LLC provides Board & Advisory Services.

Member Board of Directors

SAE International

2022-1 - Present · 4 yrs 9 mos

I've served on several committees of the Board during my tenure.

Member Board of Directors

Center for Automotive Research

2024-4 - Present · 2 yrs 6 mos

I served on the search committee which ended in the selection of the current CEO.

Member Board of Directors

HRL Laboratories, LLC

2020-8 - 2025-1 · 4 yrs 6 mos

Malibu, California, United States

I was on the Board during an important time of transition when we elected a new Chair of the Board and successfully installed a new CEO.

Founder and Member Board of Directors

SDVerse

2024-1 - 2024-12 · 1 yr

SDVerse is helping transform the automotive industry to the Software Defined Vehicle. It is a B2B marketplace for automotive software. www.sdverse.auto I incubated this start-up and successfully launched it in 2024.

Vice President of Strategic Technology Initiatives

General Motors

2022-10 - 2024-12 · 2 yrs 3 mos

Warren, Michigan, United States

- Played an instrumental role in establishing GM as the only manufacturer with all vehicles eligible for full $7500 customer rebate - Coordinated all GM interactions with standard-setting organizations and consortia to enhance customer experience through enhanced phone interoperability

Vice President of Global Electrification, Controls, Software & Electronics

General Motors

2019-1 - 2022-9 · 3 yrs 9 mos

Warren, Michigan

- Developed and produced ULTIUM battery electric platform underpinning all GM EVs - Launched the Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP) with state-of-the-art electrical architecture and cybersecurity - Successfully consolidated all Software businesses in GM Product development into one organization

Vice President of Global Propulsion Systems

General Motors

2016-2 - 2018-12 · 2 yrs 11 mos

Pontiac, Michigan USA

- key leader driving GM to become the #1 manufacturer in powertrain/propulsion quality according to JD Power Vehice Dependability and Initial Quality surveys - Launched all new portfolio of class-leading engines and transmissions - Instituted a name change rom GM Global Powertrain to GM Global Propulsion Systems, better reflecting transformation work

Vice President of Powertrain

General Motors

2012-1 - 2016-2 · 4 yrs 2 mos

Pontiac, Michigan, United States

Global responsibility for design, development and testing of engines, transmissions and electrification

Vice President of Quality

General Motors

2010-6 - 2011-12 · 1 yr 7 mos

Warren, Michigan, United States

Global responsibility for Quality for all General Motors

Vice President of Powertrain Europe

General Motors

2008-6 - 2010-5 · 2 yrs

Turin, Piedmont, Italy

Responsible for powertrain engineering in Europe including Opel Leadership Board membership

Executive Director - Powertrain Integration Europe

General Motors

2005-8 - 2008-5 · 2 yrs 10 mos

Rüsselsheim, Hesse, Germany

Responsible for powertrain calibration and powertrain integration in Europe - working with colleagues in Germany, Sweden, France and Italy

Chief Engineer and Program Manager for Small Block Engines

General Motors

2004-4 - 2005-8 · 1 yr 5 mos

Pontiac, MI

Responsible for Small Block engines during Gen IV launch including the 505HP LS7 7.0L engine

Director of Engine Calibration

General Motors

2002-6 - 2004-3 · 1 yr 10 mos

Milford, MI

Responsible for North America engine calibration organization

Director of Controller Integration

General Motors

2000-6 - 2002-5 · 2 yrs

Brighton, MI

Responsible for controller and software integration

Engineering Group Manager

General Motors

1998-6 - 2000-5 · 2 yrs

Milford, MI

Led group of 20 engineers working on future emissions systems. Reduced GM's dependence on precious metals and saved $500M annually

Staff Project Engineer

General Motors

1982-7 - 1998-5 · 15 yrs 11 mos

Metro Detroit, Michigan, United States

Held engineering positions of increasing responsibility. Was the design-responsible engineer for air injection reaction (A.I.R.) system for passenger car V6 engines. Deisgned the combustion system for 3800 Series II engines. Chaired the corporate Council of Expertise, responsible for ;policy regarding combustion systems. Launched career at 18 years old as a co-op student ultimately leading to a Staff Project Engineer position.