Kai Spande recently retired from a 32-year executive career in the automotive industry, most recently serving as Plant Director for the Chevrolet Corvette. In that role, he oversaw production of the C7, guiding one of the most celebrated generations of America’s sports car with a focus on quality, performance, and manufacturing excellence.
He also led the complete plant transformation and advanced manufacturing integration required to launch the next-generation mid-engine C8 — one of the most significant milestones in the brand’s history.
Leading the Corvette plant was a career highlight for Kai, who purchased his first Corvette in 1992. Since then, he has owned and restored more than ten Corvettes along with other performance-oriented vehicles.
Throughout his career at General Motors, Kai held manufacturing leadership roles at facilities in Germany, Japan, New York, Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Corvette Museum, supporting the preservation and celebration of Corvette’s legacy, and assists with driving events at the NCM Motorsports Park.
Beyond the garage, Kai enjoys spending time with his wife, two adult children, and extended family and friends.