Michael Foster

Chief Technology Officer, Allison Transmission

Michael Foster is the Chief Technology Officer at Allison Transmission based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Allison Transmission has long been a global leader in propulsion, supplying automatic transmissions for vehicles powered by traditional diesel and gas engines. But the commercial vehicle industry is facing multiple disruptive technologies, with electrification at the forefront. Foster is helping Allison be part of the disruption. Since being promoted to chief technology officer in 2017, he has spent countless hours determining how Allison can develop its electrification business. Foster identified and recommended buying two companies key to that future: Vantage Power and AxleTech International’s electric vehicle unit. “The acquisition of these companies brings both differentiated products and highly talented technical team members to Allison to meet the needs of a transforming industry,” Foster said. He also spends considerable time coordinating the mentoring of young engineers at Allison. He breaks down what Allison does into small parts so they understand the business, what their role is in the company, and their potential career paths.