AUBURN – Formed Fiber Technologies Inc. announced it has selected a long-time automotive industry executive to be chief operating officer.

FFT President and CEO David M. MacMahon announced the hiring of Randall L. Byrd to manage operations at the manufacturer of nonwoven automotive interior products.

Byrd has 25 years experience working with carmakers and suppliers. Most recently, he was a vice president with Lear Corp., an international automotive interiors integrator, responsible for product management of the company’s flooring and acoustics business segment.

MacMahon said Byrd will oversee FFT’s sales and marketing to domestic automotive original equipment manufacturers, product design and engineering, quality, technology, manufacturing operations and purchasing. His responsibilities include management of operations at FFT’s production facilities in Maine, Ohio and South Carolina.

Byrd began his career at General Motors Corp., then joined Masland Industries where he advanced to leadership positions in automotive product management, procurement and supply, and sales.

When Lear Corp. acquired Masland Industries, Byrd became vice president and general manager of Lear’s Fabrics, Flooring and Acoustics operations. Byrd has extensive experience in international business, including two years as vice president of Lear’s European Interior Systems Division in Munich, Germany.

FFT currently supplies trunk trim to over 40 percent of the North American trunkliner market.

Byrd received a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Kettering University (formerly General Motors Institute) and an MBA from the University of Virginia.

Byrd and his wife have two teenage daughters. He has been an active volunteer in United Way and his church, enjoys skiing and golf, and for several years coached his daughters’ basketball teams.