Facing Recall and Lawsuits, Takata Adds Compliance Power

Takata Corp., the automotive safety company whose defective air-bag inflators have triggered the biggest recall in U.S. auto industry history, announced Wednesday it has appointed a new lawyer to oversee compliance matters in North America.

The move comes as the Japanese company is said to be contemplating bankruptcy protection in the U.S.

Paul O’Brien will serve as vice president of ethics and compliance, and will oversee all the company’s units in North America to ensure they are meeting their policy reporting requirements.

He will report to general counsel Eric J. Laptook, who already holds the title of chief compliance officer, chief safety assurance and accountability officer. O’Brien ...