CTS Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

CTS has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and product development.

Driven by innovation, CTS is dedicated to manufacturing and distributing advanced sensors, actuators, and connectivity components, shaping the future of electronic solutions across global markets.

Leadership Roles at CTS

  • Chief Executive Officer - Charlie Hinders
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Dauren Bazarov
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Larry Lilley
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Henry Ajisafe
  • President, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman - Kieran O'Sullivan
  • Chief Financial Officer - Guy Alon
  • Chief Operating Officer - Evgeny Valdman
  • President - Drasko Karanovic
  • President - Jj Do
  • President & Founder - Curtis Thomas
  • Charlie Hinders - Chief Executive Officer

    Charlie Hinders, the Chief Executive Officer at CTS, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the company's diverse portfolio of sensors, actuators, and connectivity components. Hinders guides the integration of advanced technologies across North America, Europe, and Asia, ensuring CTS maintains its market leadership in providing critical electronic solutions. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities encompass driving innovation in product development, particularly for eMobility, chassis, and current sensing applications, aligning with the company's manufacturing and distribution objectives. This leadership role involves fostering strategic partnerships and overseeing the global sales network, which includes sales engineers, independent manufacturer representatives, and distributors. Charlie Hinders ensures that the company's commitment to quality and technological advancement permeates every aspect of its operations, from piezoelectric materials to frequency control products, ultimately driving sustained growth and market impact.

    Dauren Bazarov - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Dauren Bazarov, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at CTS, established the company's foundational vision for innovation in sensors, actuators, and connectivity components. Bazarov's ongoing leadership focuses on steering the company's strategic direction and ensuring its long-term viability in the global electronics manufacturing sector. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer's role involves championing the development of cutting-edge products, from rotary position sensors to advanced transducer related products, and overseeing their integration into diverse applications across North America, Europe, and Asia. This executive guides the company's expansion efforts and cultivates a culture of continuous improvement. Dauren Bazarov's strategic oversight ensures that CTS remains at the forefront of technological advancements, particularly in areas like ultrasonic imaging and EMI/RFI shielding, reinforcing the company's market position and commitment to delivering high-performance solutions.

    Larry Lilley - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Larry Lilley, the President & Chief Executive Officer at CTS, spearheads the company's comprehensive operational framework and strategic market penetration. Lilley's leadership ensures the seamless integration of CTS's extensive product lines, including encoders, potentiometers, and switches, across its global manufacturing and distribution channels in North America, Europe, and Asia. The President & Chief Executive Officer's mandate involves driving operational efficiencies and fostering innovation in areas such as non-contacting pedals and eBrake systems. This executive oversees the strategic alignment of sales engineers, independent representatives, and distributors to maximize market reach and customer engagement. Larry Lilley's focus remains on enhancing the company's competitive edge through advanced manufacturing techniques and the development of specialized components, including frequency control products and resistors, thereby solidifying CTS's reputation for quality and reliability.

    Henry Ajisafe - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Henry Ajisafe, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at CTS, provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the company's global operations in sensors, actuators, and connectivity components. Ajisafe's role centers on cultivating innovation and ensuring the sustained growth of CTS across key international markets, including North America, Europe, and Asia. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include guiding the development of advanced product lines, such as piezoelectric materials and transducer related products, and overseeing their successful market introduction. This executive champions the company's commitment to technological excellence and operational integrity. Henry Ajisafe's strategic insights are crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of the electronics industry, ensuring CTS continues to deliver high-value solutions and maintain its competitive advantage in areas like sonar and ultrasonic imaging.

    Kieran O'Sullivan - President, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman

    Kieran O'Sullivan, the President, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman at CTS, directs the company's strategic vision, corporate governance, and overall business performance. O'Sullivan's leadership encompasses the global manufacturing and distribution of CTS's extensive range of sensors, actuators, and connectivity components across North America, Europe, and Asia. The President, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman's responsibilities include driving innovation in product development, particularly for critical applications like eMobility and chassis systems, and ensuring alignment with market demands. This executive oversees the company's financial health and strategic growth initiatives, working closely with the board and executive team. Kieran O'Sullivan's focus is on strengthening CTS's market position through technological advancement and operational excellence, ensuring the company's continued success in delivering specialized electronic solutions.

    Guy Alon - Chief Financial Officer

    Guy Alon, the Chief Financial Officer at CTS, directs the company's financial strategy, fiscal management, and investment planning across its global operations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Alon oversees all financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting activities, ensuring the fiscal health and stability of CTS's manufacturing and distribution of sensors, actuators, and connectivity components. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include managing capital allocation, optimizing financial performance, and assessing investment opportunities in new technologies and markets. This executive works closely with the President & Chief Executive Officer and other senior leaders to support strategic initiatives and drive profitable growth. Guy Alon's financial acumen is critical in guiding CTS's expansion and ensuring the company's long-term economic sustainability and shareholder value.
    Guy Alon

    Evgeny Valdman - Chief Operating Officer

    Evgeny Valdman, the Chief Operating Officer at CTS, manages the day-to-day operational execution and efficiency across the company's global manufacturing facilities and supply chain. Valdman oversees the production and delivery of CTS's diverse product portfolio, including sensors, actuators, and connectivity components, ensuring adherence to stringent quality standards in North America, Europe, and Asia. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities involve optimizing production processes for components like rotary position sensors, slide potentiometers, and switches, and driving improvements in operational workflows. This executive collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align operational capabilities with strategic objectives, focusing on enhancing manufacturing throughput and cost-effectiveness. Evgeny Valdman's leadership ensures the reliable supply of CTS products, supporting the company's commitment to meeting customer demands for advanced electronic solutions.
    Evgeny Valdman

    Drasko Karanovic - President

    Drasko Karanovic, the President at CTS, leads key strategic initiatives and operational oversight for specific business units within the company's global framework. Karanovic focuses on driving growth and enhancing market presence for CTS's advanced sensors, actuators, and connectivity components across North America, Europe, and Asia. The President's responsibilities include spearheading the development and commercialization of innovative product lines, such as non-contacting pedals and transducer related products, and ensuring their successful integration into diverse industrial applications. This executive collaborates with the Chief Executive Officer and other senior leaders to refine business strategies and optimize operational performance. Drasko Karanovic's leadership is instrumental in advancing CTS's technological capabilities and expanding its market reach in specialized electronic solutions.

    Jj Do - President

    Jj Do, the President at CTS, directs significant operational segments and drives strategic development for the company's diverse product offerings. Do's leadership ensures the effective execution of CTS's mission to provide high-quality sensors, actuators, and connectivity components throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. The President's role involves overseeing critical business functions, including product innovation and market expansion for areas such as piezoelectric materials and frequency control products. This executive works in tandem with the Chief Executive Officer and other senior management to foster a culture of excellence and achieve ambitious growth targets. Jj Do's strategic guidance is vital for maintaining CTS's competitive edge and advancing its position as a leader in the global electronics manufacturing sector.

    Curtis Thomas - President & Founder

    Curtis Thomas, the President & Founder at CTS, provides foundational leadership and strategic direction for the company's ongoing innovation in sensors, actuators, and connectivity components. Thomas's vision guides CTS's expansion and operational excellence across North America, Europe, and Asia. The President & Founder's responsibilities include championing the development of cutting-edge technologies and ensuring the company's product portfolio, encompassing items like rotary DIP switches and specialty resistors, meets evolving market demands. This executive fosters a culture of continuous improvement and strategic growth. Curtis Thomas's deep understanding of the industry and commitment to quality are essential in maintaining CTS's reputation for delivering reliable and advanced electronic solutions to a global clientele.
    Curtis Thomas

    Explore Leadership Teams in Electronics

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CTS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CTS?
    CTS is led by Charlie Hinders (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Dauren Bazarov (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Larry Lilley (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of CTS’s executive team?
    The executive team of CTS includes leaders such as Charlie Hinders (Chief Executive Officer), Dauren Bazarov (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Larry Lilley (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CTS have?
    CTS has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CTS’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CTS includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman.