VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich., April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricardo, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Ricardo plc, a multi-industry consultancy for engineering, technology, project innovation and strategy, today announced the addition of David McShane as vice president of business development. McShane brings more than 20 years of broad-based executive leadership and business development experience from a variety of commercial and technical roles.

"David is a strategic addition to the team, whose experience will provide a significant boost to Ricardo's sales growth and commercial success here in North America," said Kent Niederhofer, president of Ricardo, Inc. "His expertise will support our goal of establishing Ricardo as the leader in engineering and technology consulting services to many industries, including automotive, and be seen as a strategic partner to companies on a global basis."

McShane will be responsible for driving Ricardo's North American business plan by leading major growth initiatives and building new and existing customer relationships. He also will coordinate sales and marketing efforts among the company's product groups.

Most recently, McShane served as executive vice president at International Battery, where he was responsible for all aspects of the company's engineering and business development activities for its lithium ion energy storage systems. Previously, he was president and CEO of Wellington Drive Technologies, where he was responsible for all aspects of corporate development including raising capital, profit and loss, and sales and marketing.  He has also worked for Capstone Turbine Corporation, Wavedriver LTD and The Technology Partnership. 

McShane joins Ricardo at a time when the company is expanding its team of engineers to help the automotive industry design the next generation of high-efficiency advanced engine and transmission technologies. It is currently conducting an aggressive recruiting campaign to add engineering talent as automakers strive to meet upcoming CAFE requirements.

McShane holds a bachelor's of engineering degree in electrical engineering from the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in London.

About Ricardo

With technical centers and offices throughout Europe, the United States and Asia, Ricardo provides strategic consulting and engineering expertise to the world's major automakers and suppliers, as well as manufacturers in the military, commercial, off-highway and clean-energy sectors. The company also serves in advisory roles to governmental and independent agencies. Ricardo's U.S. operation, Ricardo, Inc., is headquartered in Van Buren Township, Mich. For more information, visit www.ricardo.com.

SOURCE Ricardo, Inc.