Mitch Bainwol

Mitch Bainwol is President and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the trade association representing automakers who sell new vehicles in the United States. The Auto Alliance represents 12 leading automakers on a range of safety, environmental and related policy issues before Congress and state legislatures. Since coming to Auto Alliance in September 2011, Bainwol has given consumers a larger voice in auto policy through development of the Alliance Auto Index, a national public opinion survey reaching 60,000 people annually to provide insights into consumer sentiments on a range of topics affecting automobiles. Bainwol is recognized for his leadership during transitions, especially building coalitions and identifying new pathways forward. During his eight years as president and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America (2003-2011), Bainwol helped the music industry meet the new digital world by curbing piracy and protecting intellectual property rights. Bainwol is widely recognized for his campaign capabilities and knowledge of government processes. He spent 25 years in federal policymaking and politics, including serving as chief of staff to two U.S. Senators and two political committees. Bainwol began his career as a budget analyst in President Ronald Reagan's Office of Management and Budget. He obtained an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and an M.B.A. from Rice University. Mr. Bainwol was born in Munich where his father was stationed. He grew up in Germany, the Canal Zone, Maryland, and Thailand before graduating from Frankfurt American High School. Bainwol serves on the boards of Center for Automotive Research and the Bryce Harlow Foundation, where he also is Chairman. He and his wife, Susan, have three children.