Francois J. Castaing was named chairman of The New Detroit Science Center Board of Trustees in 1998.

Under his leadership, a $30 million capital campaign for the expansion and renovation of The New Detroit Science Center was launched. Castaing has won commitments of more than $20 million, and has been instrumental in developing an active, involved Board of Trustees. The new Science Center brings the wonders of science, engineering and technology to children.

He is a 27-year veteran automotive executive with the former American Motors, Renault, and DaimlerChrysler. He moved to Detroit in 1980 to help facilitate the new union between American Motors and Renault. When Chrysler acquired American Motors in 1987, he joined Chrysler where he rapidly pioneered an innovative way of designing new automobiles by organizing design, engineering, manufacturing, finance, purchasing, marketing in 'platform teams.'

In 1993, Castaing founded USCAR with General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co., and helped form the Partnership For A New Generation of Vehicles with the U.S. government.

In 1994 Castaing became the head of Chrysler Powertrain Operations and in 1996 he served as executive vice president for Chrysler International Operations. Beginning in 1997, he served as technical advisor to the chairman until his retirement from Chrysler in 2000.

Castaing has remained close to the industry while spending more time promoting science and engineering education. He is on the boards of Exide Technologies, Amerigon, Durakon Industries, NextEnergy and FIRST. He also is chairman of the University Cultural Center Association; chairman emeritus of the French American Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Chapter; SAE Fellow, Society of Automotive Engineers; and member of the United States National Academy of Engineering.

Castaing resides in Metro-Detroit with his wife Marlies.