Shaun Hintz is a seasoned operations leader serving as General Manager at Magna Exterior’s Engineered Glass Division in Holland. In this role, she leads 1,000 employees in two facilities and supports a $300-million business portfolio. Her team is focused on the innovation of new production lines, operational excellence and continuous improvement. Hintz was Magna’s first chair for the Magna Women’s eXchange, a resource community that promotes an inclusive environment enabling women to advance their skills and leadership potential.
Prior to joining Magna in 2014, Hintz worked for Tier 1 automotive companies in engineering and account-management roles. She also owned and operated two non-automotive startup companies while raising her young children. She is a graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Engineering and earned an MBA from Wayne State University. She is an active member of her community in western Michigan, where she volunteers in her local schools and community organizations.
What led you down your professional path—from early interests to your education and the start of your career?
Problem‑solving and an entrepreneurial mindset drew me to engineering, and I quickly found that Magna’s decentralized, entrepreneurial culture was the perfect fit. The company’s commitment to developing talent has allowed me to grow through five different roles—both vertically and horizontally—which has continually expanded my perspective and leadership capabilities. That blend of autonomy, support, and opportunity has shaped my career more than anything else.
What drew you into the engineered glass and advanced manufacturing industry, and what about the work do you find most meaningful or fascinating?
I was drawn to engineered glass and advanced manufacturing because it blends complex problem‑solving with the opportunity to directly impact the products and communities we serve. The fast‑paced, customer‑focused environment of manufacturing energizes me, especially when I can help plants tackle challenges and elevate performance. What I find most meaningful is how Magna’s entrepreneurial structure gives me the freedom to innovate and grow across multiple roles while contributing to an industry that is constantly evolving.
In a fast-paced production environment, how would you describe your leadership style? How has it evolved as you’ve taken on greater responsibility?
My leadership style centers on empowering people through trust, clarity, and empathy; really taking the time to understand how each person is naturally wired so I can help them thrive in the work they enjoy and do best. As I’ve taken on greater responsibility, I’ve realized that truly letting go and shifting from being the problem solver to being a growth‑minded leader is something I’m still working on every day, especially in a challenging manufacturing environment. What keeps me grounded is focusing on people, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, and learning to lead in a way that builds other leaders, not just solutions.
What are the biggest trends or challenges impacting engineered glass manufacturing today, and how is your team responding to stay competitive?
Windows remain essential on every vehicle, so optimizing our cost structure and continuing to deliver strong products and customer support keep us well positioned across all vehicle platforms. Our biggest challenges today include rising material costs, tariffs, and ongoing labor and housing shortages in our region, which make it difficult to attract and retain talent. To stay competitive, we are partnering closely with our vendors, investing in community relationships and apprenticeship programs, and using automation to strengthen both quality and efficiency while building on our leadership in sliding truck window production.
What do you enjoy most about living and working in West Michigan?
What I enjoy most about living and working in West Michigan is the strong sense of community and the way people genuinely support one another. This is home for me, as I grew up in West Michigan and my husband grew up on the lakeshore, and it is hard not to love such a beautiful place with its natural surroundings and all the amenities it offers. It is a region where relationships matter, opportunities continue to grow, and you can make a meaningful impact both at work and in the broader community.
Why is it important for Magna Engineered Glass to invest in and work with Lakeshore Advantage?
Partnering with Lakeshore Advantage is essential because our long-term success depends on a strong, healthy community and a reliable talent pipeline, both of which are core priorities for the organization. With labor and housing shortages creating real challenges in our region, Lakeshore Advantage helps connect us with resources, partnerships, and initiatives that support workforce development and business growth. Their commitment to strengthening the local economy aligns directly with our focus on expanding opportunity, investing in people, and ensuring Magna Engineered Glass remains competitive in West Michigan.
