Maccabeus Top AutoMobility Stories – May 2022

Tim Poor Joins Advanced Cell Engineering

Advanced Cell Engineering (ACE), a Florida-based next-generation battery cell technology company, has hired Tim Poor as its president. In addition to serving as CEO of Dexmet Corp. and general manager of PPG Industries, Poor served on the executive teams at Aquion Energy and American Superconductor and other companies that develop and market advanced technologies. “Tim is a proven leader with deep experience in commercializing new technologies including batteries and battery materials,” said ACE’s founder and chairman, John Kaufman. “ACE’s technology represents a substantial leap forward in battery chemistry for electric vehicles, and in a deeply competitive marketplace we need leaders like Tim to help us bring this important technology to market. We are thrilled to welcome him.” As president, Poor will lead the day-to-day operations for ACE, coordinating technology, sales and marketing teams to solidify a rapid go-to-market strategy for the company. ACE has developed Advanced LFP (lithium iron phosphate) and LM:FP (lithium multi-metal iron phosphate) battery chemistries which offer considerably higher energy density in a safe, cost effective battery cell. Cells using ACE chemistries can be produced on standard manufacturing equipment, which means existing factories can easily be converted to the new technology. The firm has 3 patents pending with a fourth to be filed soon and is in active discussions with potential customers for licensing and commercial deployment. “I am thrilled to join this extraordinary team at a transitional moment for the electric vehicle industry,” said Poor. “ACE’s advanced battery technology provides automakers with a high energy density cell that is safe and affordable without sacrificing range. I look forward to working with my colleagues at ACE to bring this technology to market.”  Source: Aftermarket News

Winhere Brake Announces New Director

Winhere Brake Parts, Inc. has announced the addition of aftermarket industry veteran Tony McKey as the new director of friction category.  Prior to joining Winhere, McKey had spent 26 years with NAPA Auto Parts and most recently was the Director of Category Management for the NAPA Brakes offering. Tony’s aftermarket experience spans across a variety of leadership positions including responsibilities in operations and distribution, sales/marketing and brand management, category/inventory strategy and analysis, and product management expertise across several undercar and under hood product lines. “We are excited to have Tony join Winhere. He will be instrumental in leading and developing a best-in-class aftermarket friction program for North America”, said Doug Labac, vice president of sales and marketing. “His vast knowledge and expertise in the brake business will provide Winhere with our best opportunity for success in this highly competitive category.” The company has already successfully launched friction in Europe and ASIA.  Company executives are confident they can duplicate and deliver the same commitment to success in the friction business here in North America they have achieved in drums and rotors as the leading supplier to the global aftermarket.  Source: Aftermarket News

Aston Martin replaces CEO Tobias Moers with ex-Ferrari boss Amedeo Felisa

Aston Martin has hired former Ferrari boss Amedeo Felisa as CEO and ex-Ferrari engineer Roberto Fedeli as chief technical officer. Felisa replaces Tobias Moers as CEO. Moers will leave the automaker’s board with immediate effect but will support the new leadership team until the end of July, Aston Martin said in a statement on Wednesday. Felisa, 76, was Ferrari CEO from 2008 to 2016. He ran product development at Fiat Chrysler’s Alfa Romeo division before joining Ferrari. Felisa is currently a non-executive director of Aston Martin. Aston Martin said Fedeli will start as CTO on July 1. The Italian national was Ferrari’s technical director from 2006 to 2014. Fedeli is considered the creator of the La Ferrari, the Italian company’s first hybrid supercar, as well as some of its most iconic models, Aston Martin said. Fedeli also worked for BMW, where he launched the i8 plug-in hybrid roadster into production. He returned to Italy in 2016 as CTO for Alfa Romeo and Maserati. Moers is leaving Aston Martin after presiding over a collapse in morale at the automaker because of his “robust management style,” the Financial Times said. The former head of the Mercedes-AMG performance division was hired as Aston Martin’s CEO in 2020 by its billionaire chairman, Lawrence Stroll, who led a bailout of Aston Martin and wants the company to be more like Ferrari with more customized car orders. Stroll told Reuters that Moers had stabilized the company when it “needed immediate manufacturing, operation attention,” but now Aston Martin needed a CEO to “focus on the bigger picture.” “Nobody knows how to make ultra-luxury performance cars better than Amedeo,” Stroll said. “He saw the movie, he wrote the script.” Aston Martin has been struggling financially since a disappointing IPO in 2018. It has been battling setbacks in its turnaround plan with a slower-than-expected ramp-up of the Valkyrie supercar. The automaker on Wednesday reported a pretax loss of 111.6 million pounds ($139.15 million) for the first quarter, compared with a loss of 42.2 million pounds a year earlier. Wholesale vehicle shipments fell 14 percent in the quarter. Aston Martin said orders for the DBX SUV rose about 60 percent in the three months through March. The company delivered 14 Valkyries in the period, compared to its full-year target of as many as 90. Aston Martin said Felisa will focus on delivering the company’s continued strategic objectives, financial targets and roadmap toward electrification. He will implement and lead a new organizational structure with a focus on broadening the technical team through the promotion of internal talent, together with strategic external hires to be announced in the coming weeks, the automaker said. Aston Martin plans to have hybrid variants of all its models in the next two years, with the first fully electric cars by 2025. The latest appointments come just months after Chief Financial Officer Kenneth Gregor left the automaker. Aston Martin in January named Doug Lafferty from fuel retailer Vivo Energy as its new CFO. Jefferies analyst Philippe Houchois wrote in a client note that the new CFO and the appointment of Felisa “will hopefully help stabilize management across the company.” Felisa and Fedeli have been working with U.S.-Chinese startup Silk-FAW, which plans to build high performance electric cars in Italy and China. It is not clear if they are keeping their roles with Silk-FAW.  Source: Automotive News

Longtime Ford exec leaves for Apple to accelerate iPhone maker’s EV work

Apple Inc. has recruited a longtime Ford Motor Co. executive who helped lead safety efforts and vehicle engineering, a sign the iPhone maker is again ramping up development of an electric car. The tech giant hired Desi Ujkashevic for the car project, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Ujkashevic had worked at Ford since 1991, most recently serving as its global director of automotive safety engineering. Before that, she helped oversee engineering of interiors, exteriors, chassis and electrical components for many Ford models. She has worked on Ford’s Escape, Explorer, Fiesta and Focus models, as well as the Lincoln MKC and Aviator, according to her LinkedIn profile. She also helped develop new EVs for Ford. She also has experience in regulatory issues; key to Apple getting a car on the road. Ujkashevic was named to the Automotive News 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry in 2010 and 2015. The Cupertino, Calif.-based company declined to comment on the hire. Ford, meanwhile, said that Ujkashevic has retired from the automaker. Enlisting Ujkashevic suggests Apple is continuing to push toward a self-driving car despite several high-profile departures over the past year. The project’s management team has been almost entirely replaced since it was run by Doug Field, an executive who left for Ford last year. Building an electric, self-driving car is seen as a “next big thing” for Apple — a new product category that can keep its sales growth from stalling. But the project has suffered numerous strategy shifts and personnel changes since it kicked off around seven years ago. Turnover has been especially heavy over the past year. Besides the departure of Field, Apple lost key managers in charge of hardware engineering, robotics and sensors. In some cases, high-ranking engineers left to join flying taxi startups. After Field quit, the company appointed Apple Watch and health software head Kevin Lynch to oversee the project. Lynch is a well-regarded software engineering manager but hasn’t previously led the development of a vehicle. Still, the company has sought to accelerate the project under Lynch — with the goal of announcing a product by 2025. An Apple car would put the company in competition with the likes of Tesla and Lucid, as well as traditional automakers racing to introduce electric vehicles. Apple also is trying to master autonomous vehicles as part of the project — an auto-industry holy grail that tech companies such as Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo also have been grappling with. The Apple car has been in development since 2015 but Apple has struggled to settle on a vision for it. The hope is to make something fully autonomous and remove both the traditional steering wheel and pedals. The company also has sought to emphasize safety with its vehicle. To that end, Apple is looking to develop stronger safeguards than what’s available from Tesla and Waymo. That includes building in plenty of redundancy — layers of backup systems that kick in to avoid safety and driving-system failures — Bloomberg reported last year. Ujkashevic could be involved with that component. Apple had hired Jaime Waydo to serve as car safety leader in 2018, but the Waymo veteran departed last year. Ujkashevic is now one of the few senior managers on Apple’s car team to come from the auto industry, but there are some others. Last year, Apple hired Ulrich Kranz, a former BMW executive and onetime head of self-driving startup Canoo. Stuart Bowers, a former Tesla executive who worked on self-driving software, and Jonathan Sive, an ex-manager at Tesla, Waymo and BMW, also are involved. At Ford, Ujkashevic was one of the company’s highest-profile managers, serving as a named executive on its website. “Desi has a wealth of global automotive industry leadership experience,” her biography reads on the Ford website. The company credited her with improving products, quality and the customer experience at the 118-year-old company.  Source: Automotive News

I-CAR Names New OEM Technical Lead

I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, today announced the addition of Scott Kaboos, a 20-year industry veteran, to the newly created position of Principal, OEM Technical Lead, and will also serve as a collision repair Subject Matter Expert (SME). Kaboos joins I-CAR following several years with American Honda Motor, where he led the development of Honda’s Collision Repair Technical and Training Programs. Kaboos’s responsibilities will involve further building I-CAR’s technical collaboration with all vehicle manufacturers (OEMs), including collaborative curriculum, training, technical information and technical services initiatives. He will also serve as a SME contributing broadly as a member of the organization’s expanding technical SME team, imparting technical expertise to all I-CAR products, programs and services. “Scott brings deep industry knowledge and experience with an OEM perspective,” said I-CAR president and CEO John Van Alstyne. “He compliments our expanding technical team and reinforces our commitments to technical leadership and deeper and broader OEM collaboration.” Beyond Honda, Kaboos earlier served as an instructor at both the college level and with I-CAR, and he started his collision repair career as a structural repair technician, all relevant to his new role. He holds several individual industry achievements, including I-CAR Platinum, ASE Master Collision Technician as well as AMAM (Accredited Master Automotive Manager) and AMCE (Accredited Master Collision Repair Estimator) designations. “Over the past two years, we have been focused on expanding and elevating I-CAR’s technical capabilities and capacity to keep pace with the extraordinary acceleration of technical knowledge, skills and information our industry needs to perform ‘complete, safe and quality repairs’ on the advanced vehicles of today – and tomorrow,” said Jeff Peevy, I-CAR vice president, technical products, programs and services. “The addition of Scott further rounds out I-CAR’s technical team, joining Bud Center, director, technical products & curriculum, Dirk Fuchs, director, technical programs & services and Niel Speetjens, senior manager, ADAS/EV lab research & specialty training; the latter two joining I-CAR in 2021, with both bringing technical expertise in ADAS and electric vehicle technologies.”  Van Alstyne adds “the strategic expansion of our technical capabilities – people, processes and facilities – is in direct response to I-CAR’s commitment to provide and maintain industry technical leadership in the face of the ‘Technical Tsunami’ we continue to navigate as an industry.”  Source: Aftermarket News

NGK Spark Plugs Announces Executive Changes

NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc. has announced changes within its executive team, which includes the appointment of four individuals. Clair Stewart has joined the company as vice president of supply chain management. In his new role, Stewart is responsible for procurement, materials, packaging, and logistics. Before joining NGK Spark Plugs, Stewart was employed by Autokiniton Global Group for more than 15 years, where he most recently served as vice president of supply chain. Mark Pratt has been promoted to director of supply chain management. In this newly created role, Pratt will be responsible for planning and fulfillment operations. Pratt was previously the general manager of supply chain and has been with NGK Spark Plugs for 28 years. Jeff Desveaux has been promoted to general manager of strategic growth and partnerships. In this newly created role, Desveaux will be responsible for the creation, sourcing and development of new business opportunities. Desveaux began his career with NGK Spark Plugs Canada in 2003 and most recently held the position of general manager of NGK Spark Plugs Canada. Richard Ebert joined NGK Spark Plugs in April as general manager of Finance, filling a recently vacated position. Before joining NGK Spark Plugs, Ebert held financial roles of increasing  responsibility with Johnson Controls and Amcor, where he served as manufacturing finance director. As General Manager of Finance, Ebert is responsible for Financial Reporting, Corporate Accounting, Accounts Receivable & Payables Administration, Financial Planning & Analysis, and Manufacturing Operations Finance for NGK Spark Plugs USA. “I am excited to announce these appointments to our executive team,” said NGK President and CEO Michael Schwab. “We continue to prepare for and create for the future, and the strategic, functional, and operational expertise of these individuals and the entire executive team will allow us to maximize our growth potential for many years to come.”  Source: Aftermarket News

Hitachi Astemo Americas Names New Head of Aftermarket Division

Hitachi Astemo Americas Inc. announced that as it begins its 92nd year in business, Gary Plover has been appointed vice president of its Americas Aftermarket Business Division. As vice president of Hitachi Astemo Americas Aftermarket Division, Plover now leads one of the company’s fastest-growing business segments, which includes more than four locations across North and South America, with a team of nearly 100 employees. “I am excited to lead the Hitachi Astemo Americas Aftermarket team,” said Plover. “Although the aftermarket auto parts space is crowded, I’m impressed with the growth I’ve seen in this division. With our team’s continued focus to expand coverage and deliver the highest quality parts every time, on-time, the future is bright.” Plover joined Hitachi Astemo Americas as director of aftermarket sales. As Director, he created a sales strategy that included automotive retailers, warehouse distributors, and co-manufacturing divisions. Plover earned a BS in Business at Central Connecticut State University and comes to his new position with 25 years of both national and international sales experience within the automotive aftermarket. Throughout these years, Plover has been a successful leader in his field as he has managed key relationships with multiple regional and national accounts and major original equipment manufacturers. During Plover’s tenure, he has worked at Aisin World Corp of America, Goodridge, Nichirin and at Superwinch and was instrumental in creating strategies that increased their global sales significantly. Plover has a proven record of accomplishment in driving record-setting revenues. “My focus will continue to be delivering more high-quality products to our customers,” added Plover. “Hitachi Astemo has been a trusted brand for over 90 years to a wide range of original equipment (OE) and Aftermarket customers, including Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, as well as independent warehouse distributors.”  Source: Aftermarket News

Velodyne Lidar Names Mark Weinswig CFO

Velodyne Lidar announced the appointment of Mark Weinswig as Chief Financial Officer, effective May 16, 2022. He will report directly to CEO Dr. Ted Tewksbury and succeeds Drew Hamer, who will transition out of Velodyne to spend time with his family in advance of pursuing career opportunities later this year. Weinswig is a seasoned public company CFO with more than 25 years of strategic and operational experience in technology companies including scaling businesses, streamlining cost structures, and conducting mergers and acquisitions, Velodyne Lidar says. In addition to leading the finance and corporate development teams, Weinswig will work with leadership on strategic planning, gross margin improvements and driving operational excellence. “Mark is an outstanding addition to our executive team as we amplify our focus on profitable revenue growth,” said Tewksbury. “His skills and experience in the optical industry during a period of transformative change are directly relevant to the lidar industry today. Mark will help us continue to scale the company and improve profitability, while delivering full stack intelligent vision solutions that facilitate our customers’ development of autonomous systems.”  Source: Aftermarket News

Allison Transmission Elects D. Scott Barbour to BOD

Allison Transmission announced D. Scott Barbour has joined its Board of Directors following a successful election at the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders. The election of Barbour increases the size of Allison’s Board to 10 members. He will serve on the Board’s Audit and Compensation Committees. His current term will expire at the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders. Barbour serves as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (ADS), a manufacturer of water management solutions in the stormwater and on-site septic wastewater industries, a position he has held since September 2017, Allison Transmission says. Under his leadership, ADS completed a transformative acquisition in an adjacent market and repositioned itself as a pureplay water management company. Barbour refocused ADS’ resources and capital on operational improvements to drive customer satisfaction and continuous improvement while also building out the marketing, product development and material science capabilities of the company. “We are pleased to welcome Scott as the newest member of Allison’s esteemed Board of Directors,” said David S. Graziosi, chairman & CEO, Allison Transmission. “As the commercial vehicle industry evolves, we remain committed to manufacturing leading propulsion solutions that Improve the Way the World Works. Scott’s strong leadership along with his extensive experience in manufacturing will make him a valuable asset to Allison and our Board.”  Source: Aftermarket News

Blink Charging Names New VP of Investor Relations

Blink Charging Co., owner, operator and provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and services, has announced that Vitalie Stelea will join the company as vice president of investor relations. In this role, Stelea will be responsible for leading Blink’s investor relations strategy and communications. Stelea will report directly to Chief Financial Officer, Michael Rama, who commented, “We are thrilled to have Vitalie join the Blink team and bring his extensive experience in both investor relations and within the automotive industry as vice president of investor relations. His expertise will prove invaluable as we continue to grow our business, both in the U.S. and abroad, and increase EV charging access for drivers everywhere.” Stelea has more than 15 years of finance experience, nearly 10 of which have been spent in the automotive sector. He comes to Blink from Ford Motor Co., where he focused on developing and implementing the company’s investor relations strategy for electrification and vehicle software. While there, he was a key contributor to Ford’s 2021 Capitala Markets Day, which recently was recognized as the “Best Investor Event” by Investor Relations Magazine. Stelea’s experience also includes investor and shareholder communications, message development and market analysis. “The EV industry is at an exciting point, where OEMs are increasingly committing capital to affordable, mass adoption EVs, thus making way for the rapid growth of charging infrastructure,” said Stelea. “I’m excited to combine my experience in software and automotive at Blink and to be a part of this important expansion to accelerate the global transition to EVs.” Prior to Ford, Stelea held positions at American Axle and Manufacturing, Compuware Corp. and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC. He holds an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and a BA from Hillsdale College.  Source: Aftermarket News

Stellantis names new global purchasing boss, shuffles key Europe posts

Stellantis has shuffled key leadership positions, naming Maxime Picat, currently head of its Enlarged Europe region, as head of purchasing and supply chain, replacing Michelle Wen, who has left the automaker. Picat will be replaced in Europe by Uwe Hochgeschurtz, now head of the Opel/Vauxhall brand. His successor at Opel/Vauxhall will be Florian Huettl, head of sales and marketing at Opel. Other changes include the appointment of Alison Jones, head of Stellantis UK, as senior vice president for the company’s circular economy recylcing business. Paul Willcox, the head of Vauxhall in the UK, will add Jones’ Stellantis responsibilities in the UK to his portfolio. “These appointments represent the bold ambitions of our strategic plan Dare Forward 2030,” CEO Carlos Tavares said Wednesday in a release announcing the appointments. Picat, 48, had led the Enlarged Europe region since Stellantis started operations in January 2021 after the merger of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. He had held a similar post in PSA from 2016 to 2021. Before that, he was Peugeot brand CEO from 2012 to 2016, and he worked in China for four years, as deputy general manager and then general manager of PSA’s joint venture in China with Dongfeng. Stellantis has had a difficult relationship with many suppliers — especially in North America — where it made controversial changes to its purchase order terms and conditions for 2022 that can force suppliers to reduce prices whenever they achieve any cost savings and to remain locked into unfavorable contracts for as long the automaker wants. Repairing that relationship may be one of Picat’s key tasks, as Tavares seeks to lower costs for EVs amid increases in raw materials, energy and logistics. “His analytical skills and personality are likely to create trusting relationships with suppliers,” Stellantis said of Picat in the release, “and enhance Stellantis’ short and mid-term performance in this strategic field of activity, which is focused on lowering the cost of EVs by 40 percent to maintain affordability, while implementing a resilient sourcing strategy that is reliable and dependable.” Wen joined PSA Group in 2017 and was named head of purchasing in 2018. She previously worked at Vodafone, Vallorec and Alstom. Hochgeschurtz was named head of Opel in September 2021, replacing Michael Lohscheller. He spent 10 years at Renault Group, and before that worked at Volkswagen Group and Ford Motor. He was recently given responsibility for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles at Stellantis. Huettl joined Stellantis in March 2021 after 20 years at Renault Group. In Jones’ new position, she will oversee recycling and “extended life” businesses at Stellantis, which is targeting 2 billion euros ($2.1 billion) in revenues from the activities by 2030. That figure represents a four-fold growth in extended life revenues and 10-fold in recycling, Stellantis said. She will report to Philippe de Rovira, chief affiliates officer.  Source: Automotive News

Lincoln Electric’s Steven B. Hedlund Promoted to COO

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. announced Steven B. Hedlund has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. Hedlund has served as Executive Vice President, President of the Americas and International Welding segments since 2020 and has served as a member of the Lincoln Electric’s executive management team since 2008. As COO, he will continue to lead the welding segments’ Higher Standard 2025 Strategy initiatives to advance growth and enhance margin and return performance, and will now have responsibility for The Harris Products Group (HPG) segment. HPG and regional presidents will report directly to him. “Steve’s experience and leadership has been instrumental in shaping our Higher Standard 2025 Strategy and the commercial and operational initiatives driving accelerated growth, record performance and returns,” said Christopher L. Mapes, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Steve has been at the forefront of strategically positioning Lincoln for long-term, profitable growth for nearly fifteen years, having led Automation, M&A, and the transformation of our international region, and as COO, he will continue to generate superior value for our stakeholders.”  Source: Aftermarket News

Elgin Industries Names VP, OEM Sales Engineering

John E. Brune, a nationally recognized engineering executive who has served several of the transportation industry’s leading vehicle manufacturers and Tier One suppliers, has been named vice president, OEM sales engineering for Elgin Industries, a leading global manufacturer of engine and chassis components. He will be responsible for sales, product engineering and service functions in support of the company’s broad portfolio of OEM relationships. A highly skilled engineer with expertise in product design, development and manufacturing, Brune joins Elgin from GT Technologies in Westland, Michigan, where he was vice president of technology and innovation. Over the course of his 19 years with that company, he oversaw design, development and advanced manufacturing of valvetrain systems and components and played a key role in establishing the company’s corporate technical center. He also received U.S. patents for several valvetrain and cylinder head technologies developed for global engine OEMs. “Adding John to our team reinforces the value we offer to engine and vehicle OEMs worldwide,” said Elgin President Bill Skok. “Over the course of his more than 40-year career, he has been recognized both as a talented innovator and exceptionally skilled engineering and manufacturing process leader. He will serve our customers well.”  Source: Aftermarket News

AirSept Announces New Procurement Manager

AirSept, a manufacturer of award-winning repair solutions for the automotive aftermarket, has announced the addition of Marion Parkes as the company’s new procurement manager. Parkes is responsible for both direct and indirect strategic sourcing strategies and processes and will oversee the establishment of best practices for procure-to-pay processes for all transactions. She also manages all vendor relationships and contractual KPIs and metrics to ensure product pricing, discounts and rebates are properly applied. Parkes was formerly purchasing manager for Genuine Parts Co., where she was responsible for purchasing and inventory of more than $300 million of finished goods at five hubs supporting 57 NAPA distribution centers. She has extensive experience in under car and heavy-duty product categories. As the lead on the NAPA inventory steering committee, she was adept at improving inventory turns, spend, profit and service levels while also making recommendations on purchasing policies, product quality, process improvement and vendor collaboration. Parkes has more than 20 years of experience in supply chain management and retail disciplines and is proficient in Dynamics, D365, Manhattan Inventory Optimization and Scorecard Management. She is based at AirSept’s corporate headquarters in Atlanta. “This is a new position for AirSept and one that has long been needed, especially after the last two years of challenging supply chain issues. We are fortunate to have Marion join us to manage vendor relations, forecasting, inventory planning and quality control,” said Aaron Becker, AirSept president. “She has excellent team-building skills that have been apparent since day one, a penchant for detail, and is skilled at sourcing the highest quality materials while also achieving cost savings. As we move to aggressively introduce AirSept products to new markets, we are very fortunate to have someone with Marion’s depth of expertise as part of our growing senior leadership team.”  Source: Aftermarket News

Apex Tool Group Names New SVP and President

Apex Tool Group today announced the appointment of William A. Burke III to SVP, and President of North American Hand Tools (NAHT), effective Monday, May 16. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, Burke will report directly to Jim Roberts, chief executive officer, Apex Tool Group. Burke is a seasoned tool industry executive with 37 years of leadership experience in consumer and industrial products, Apex Tool says. He was most recently the chief operating officer of Newell Brands, where he was responsible for managing a $10 billion portfolio of global businesses. Prior to his tenure at Newell, Bill spent 20 years at Black & Decker in several executive management positions, including vice president and general manager of the Product Service Division and global vice president of marketing. “There are many things that drive me. The people, the passion, and the uncompromising will to win. I am thrilled to join this team with all three,” said Burke. “Bill has significant experience driving internal growth and building competitive advantage while improving operating margins and cash flow. I am confident that his leadership of the NAHT team and involvement in the Executive Leadership Team will help elevate Apex Tool Group’s business and organizational goals to a new level,” said Roberts.  Source: Aftermarket News

Anita Sehgal Elected to Holley Board of Directors

Holley Inc., one of the largest and fastest growing platforms serving performance automotive enthusiasts, has announced that Anita Sehgal has been elected to the board at the company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders. “I am honored to have been elected to the board,” said Sehgal. “Holley has a tremendous legacy and is world-renowned to automotive enthusiasts. I look forward to participating in the next chapter of Holley’s growth story.” Sehgal currently serves as the senior vice president, marketing & communications for the Houston Astros LLC, a Major League Baseball franchise. She also serves on the boards of Escalade Inc., a sporting goods, fitness, and recreation equipment manufacturer based in Evansville, Indiana, and Reitman’s Canada Ltd., a publicly traded Canadian retailing company specializing in women’s clothing. Sehgal earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing and Human Resources from the University of Regina in Saskatchewan, Canada. “Anita brings a wealth of experience in consumer engagement, branding and digital marketing to Holley,” said Holley CEO Tom Tomlinson. “We welcome her insights while we continue on our journey of expanding the largest and most engaging platform for automotive enthusiasts.” Sehgal replaces Gina Bianchini, who did not seek re-election to the board this year. “Gina’s counsel and participation in our inaugural year as a publicly traded company was greatly appreciated,” said Matt Rubel, chairman of the Board of Holley Inc. “We thank Gina for her service and wish her the best in all her endeavors.”  Source: Aftermarket News

CYTK Announces Sales and Business Development Team Leaders

CYTK LLC. (CYTK.io) has announced two “game-changing” new hires in the first half of 2022. CYTK, which the company says is the first AI-powered mobile repair search application for the aftermarket and dealerships, has hired Jill Trotta as its first vice president of business development. Trotta will be working with David Ziegler, vice president of customer success, and Travis Adragna, director of sales, to bring CYTK.io’s SmartSearch to market. Trotta spent more than eight years with RepairPal as its VP/GM of Sales and Industry, where she was instrumental in growing RepairPal’s network from 100 shops in 2013 to thousands when she exited. She brings more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry in positions that range from service advisor, shop owner, fixed operations director, and ASE-certified technician. In 2013, Trotta made the transition from the direct service segment of the aftermarket to her most recent role as the vice president of sales and industry at RepairPal. Trotta will be using her wealth of knowledge to grow CYTK’s customer base by educating the industry about CYTK’s new automotive repair app. “When I saw the technology that CYTK.io was bringing to the market, I knew CYTK would be a game-changer to help drive efficiency and speed within the shop environment. I knew I needed to be involved, and given my love for software innovation, the diversity of CYTK’s leadership team, and the opportunity to continue my work in the automotive industry, it seemed like the perfect fit for me,” Trotta says. Bryan Levenson, CEO of CYTK, shared, “Jill infuses into CYTK.io an automotive pedigree and understanding that is invaluable. She is very well-respected throughout the automotive repair industry and rightfully so. We are honored to have Jill join our team. Jill will be heading up Business Development and Technology / Content Partnerships, as well as becoming one of CYTK.io’s Chief Advocates.” CYTK.io also announced that it has hired Travis Adragna as its first director of sales. Adragna brings more than 12 years of sales and sales management experience specializing in automotive SaaS technology companies with positions ranging from senior area sales manager, director of sales and vice president of sales. In the past six years, Adragna has focused mainly on early-stage startups scaling from MVP (minimum viable product) to $5 million-$10 million in annual recurring revenue by building out repeatable sales strategies with scalable processes. According to CYTK, SmartSearch is the first mobile repair app to empower automotive technicians to search for repair and parts information wherever they are, using an AI-supported keyword search or via voice (hands-free) navigation. “CYTK.io is a unique, valuable Automotive Repair App. for automotive technicians working at the dealerships or independent shops – CYTK is for every automotive repair segment. Historically, there have not been a lot of quality automotive repair mobile applications in the Google Play or Apple App Stores. CYTK enables technicians to look up repair information (wiring diagrams, procedures, technical service bulletins) and repair estimates through their smartphone right at the vehicle (techs don’t have to move from the vehicle now to access repair information). Not to mention offering a mobile solution to help train new technicians coming online at Aftermarket shops or Dealerships. CYTK is poised for massive growth, and I cannot wait to show Technicians how easy CYTK is to use and how much time it will save them,” Adragna says. Levenson added, “We are very fortunate that Travis decided to join CYTK.io. We have historically been an R&D-focused automotive repair application company. Now that our SmartSearch product is ready for prime time, Travis is the perfect sales leader to help us launch CYTK SmartSearch Nationally. We are confident Travis will help us build a world-class sales organization that starts and ends with servicing our customers better than any other mobile repair application in automotive.”  Source: Aftermarket News

New Management, Expanded Business Segments for Haller Group

Haller Group announced it will increasingly position itself as an automotive supplier in the field of new technologies, including batteries and fuel cells. Concurrently, the company also announced new management and expanded business segments to coincide with its 140^th anniversary. In his role as CEO, Klaus Schmitt will restructure and further expand Andreas Haller Holding. He will also become a member of the supervisory board of the high-tech spin-off, Quantron AG. Pedro Navarro is the new CEO of Haller GmbH & Co. KG, who will continue the growth course of the company. He was the former Sales Director Germany at Pirelli and Managing Director of a medium-sized enterprise. The Gersthofen (Germany) based family-owned business, specialists in the maintenance and repair of commercial vehicles (transporters, trucks and buses) is currently managed in the fifth generation by Andreas Haller who also founded the e-mobility high-tech spin-off, Quantron AG, in 2019.  Source: Aftermarket News

MBE Group Promotes Jerzykowski to Senior Account Executive

Marx Buscemi Eisbrenner Group (MBE Group), a full-service marketing communications agency highly focused in the automotive, mobility, trucking, tech and consumer goods industries, has promoted Kaleigh Jerzykowski to the role of senior account executive. Most recently serving as account executive, Jerzykowski has been with the company since 2017. As senior account executive, Jerzykowski will continue to be a primary point of contact for the client accounts and programs she manages, provide strategy and direct program execution to B2B and B2C clients, and work closely with the agency’s digital and creative teams to bring projects to life. She also will play a role in the mentorship of newer team members to help them improve their skills and support the agency’s future growth. “Kaleigh continuously brings professionalism, creativity and a passion for creating client partnerships to MBE Group. Her ability to capture a client’s vision, stay organized and produce impactful results make her an invaluable asset to our team,” said Frank Buscemi, CEO and chief creative officer, MBE Group. “She has shown immense growth and accomplishment in the last five years, which reflect on her well-earned promotion.” In her previous role with the company, she worked to support B2B and B2C clients with a variety of needs from social media content writing and PR to analytics reporting and more. In her new role, Jerzykowski will use her experience in the automotive original equipment and aftermarket industries, and technology and consumer goods sectors to help clients achieve their goals and elevate their brands through the firm’s full scope of integrated marketing communications capabilities.  Source: Aftermarket News

Aptiv Names Jessica Kourakos VP of Investor Relations and ESG

Aptiv PLC, global technology company focused on making mobility safer, greener and more connected, announced the appointment of Jessica Kourakos as vice president of Investor Relations and ESG, effective May 18. Kourakos has led the Investor Relations function at leading global companies, most recently at Rockwell Automation, for more than 10 years, and brings to Aptiv extensive experience in finance, sustainability, marketing and strategy, the company says. In her new role at Aptiv, Kourakos will report to Joseph Massaro, Aptiv’s chief financial officer and senior vice president of Business Operations, and will lead Aptiv’s Investor Relations and ESG initiatives, representing the company to the investment community and also communicating Aptiv’s strategic vision, portfolio evolution and shareholder value creation framework. Essential to Kourakos’ new role will be her responsibility for the coordination of all ESG and related activities across Aptiv to ensure the achievement of our ESG goals, which includes increasing workforce diversity and achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, Aptiv says. “We are very excited to have Jessica join Aptiv. She brings a wealth of experience from leading industrial technology companies as well as strong relationships throughout the investor community,” said Massaro. “Jessica’s experience in ESG is also a great fit given the importance of sustainability to Aptiv. The combination of the IR and ESG functions will empower Jessica to work with Aptiv’s senior leadership team and global business and operations leaders to help Aptiv deliver on the company’s ESG goals going forward.”  Source: Aftermarket News

Scania Appoints Jeanna Tällberg Head of People & Culture

Scania announced Jeanna Tällberg has been appointed executive vice president and head of people & culture, effective October 1, 2022, and will report to Christian Levin, president and CEO.  She succeeds Helle Bay, who has left the company. Tällberg leaves H&M Group where she has been head of HR Business Tech. She is familiar with Scania, as she had a career at the company, starting 2003 as HR business partner, and continued with various roles in HR, the company says. Later she became director of leadership and organizational development, a position she held from 2012 to 2015. She has also been HR director for Volkswagen Group Sverige as well as executive vice president HR Haldex Group. “I am pleased to welcome Jeanna back to Scania and to our Executive Board. She has a deep understanding of our company and the industry. I am convinced that her drive and strategic way of working will benefit Scania,” says Christian Levin, president and CEO. “The automotive industry is taking on an extremely important and exciting transformation and I truly look forward to being part of that at Scania,” says Tällberg. “I also look forward to continuing to strengthen People & Cultures role and contribution on this journey, because for me, our potential success as a company is all about our people. Last but not least, home is where the heart is and my heart has never left Scania. So I am very happy and honoured that it has now become time to come home.” Tällberg has a bachelor’s degree in Social Work as well as in Human Resources.  Source: Aftermarket News

Hitachi Astemo Americas Names Ryan Pelkey Director of Aftermarket Sales

Hitachi Astemo Americas has promoted Ryan Pelkey to director of sales for the Hitachi Astemo Americas Aftermarket Division. Pelkey assumes the role vacated by Gary Plover, who recently became Hitachi Astemo’s vice president/Americas Aftermarket Business Division head. Pelkey will report to Plover and lead the Americas aftermarket business unit’s sales activities for Hitachi. As Director of Sales for Hitachi Astemo Americas Aftermarket Division, Pelkey will work closely with its sales managers and distributors in each territory to continue to provide high quality parts and service to Hitachi’s customers. “I am excited to lead the Hitachi Astemo Americas Aftermarket Sales team,” said Pelkey. “As we continue to expand coverage with the highest-quality parts, I am certain our strong team, coupled with exceptional fill rates and our on-time delivery strategy, will propel us toward a very successful future.” As a member of the Hitachi Astemo Americas team since 2018, Pelkey has previously served Hitachi as the U.S. retail sales manager. When Hitachi considered expanding its product line-up, Hitachi Astemo called on Pelkey’s 10-plus years of aftermarket product development experience to lead its U.S. product expansion initiatives as the U.S. marketing manager. “Sticking to Hitachi values, I know quality is paramount in our offerings, no matter the vehicle coverage,” said Pelkey. “Our customers can confidently reach for any Hitachi Astemo product in our line and know they are getting the same original equipment quality they have experienced for years.” Pelkey comes to his new position with 15 years of sales experience within the automotive aftermarket. Throughout these years, Pelkey has been a successful leader in his field as he has managed key relationships with multiple retailers and national accounts. During Pelkey’s tenure he has worked at K&N Engineering, ReadyLIFT suspension, and Gale Banks engineering and was instrumental in creating strategies that increased sales significantly. “We will continue to focus on delivering more high-quality products and service to our customers,” added Pelkey. “Hitachi Astemo has been a trusted brand for over 90 years to a wide range of original equipment and aftermarket customers, including Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, as well as independent warehouse distributors.”  Source: Aftermarket News

Myers Industries Announces CFO Transition Plan

Myers Industries, Inc. announced the upcoming departure of Sonal Robinson, executive vice president and CFO. Monica Vinay, vice president, investor relations and treasurer, has been named Interim CFO and will assume that role upon Robinson’s departure and until a formal search process to identify a permanent successor is complete. To support a smooth transition, Myers says Robinson will continue in her role at Myers until July 1, 2022. Robinson, who resigned to pursue other opportunities, joined the company in February 2021 and was appointed Chief Financial Officer effective March 15, 2021. “On behalf of everyone at Myers Industries, I’d like to express my gratitude to Sonal for her outstanding leadership, consistent partnership, and financial stewardship. Sonal has played a central role during one of the most significant periods in the company’s history,” said Myers Industries’ President and Chief Executive Officer Mike McGaugh. “Her contributions have been a key factor in the important steps we’ve taken to transform the company. Monica Vinay is a well-respected and accomplished colleague, and she, along with our experienced finance leadership team, has my full confidence in leading the Finance function as a search for a permanent CFO is conducted.”  Source: Aftermarket News

Lordstown Motors Stockholders Elect New Independent Directors

Lordstown Motors Corp., an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of electric light duty trucks focused on the commercial fleet market, announced today that at its annual meeting of stockholders, Joseph B. Anderson, Jr., Laura J. Soave and Angela Strandwere elected as independent directors. Anderson and Soave are new directors, and each has extensive experience in the global automotive industry.  Incumbent director Strand is joining the Compensation Committee, Anderson will serve as a member of the Audit Committee and Soave will serve on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has also combined the roles of chairman of the board and CEO and current CEO, Daniel A. Ninivaggi, will serve in this capacity, effective following the annual meeting. David T. Hamamoto, a current independent director and chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board, will serve as lead independent director, also effective following the annual meeting. Anderson brings decades of experience in manufacturing and operations leadership positions, primarily in the global automotive industry. He currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TAG Holdings LLC, a company owning several manufacturing, service and technology-based companies, which he founded in 2001. Prior to that, Anderson served as chairman and CEO of Chivas Industries LLC, a manufacturer of interior trim products and lighting assemblies principally for the automotive industry, and as president and CEO of Composite Energy Management Systems, an automotive parts manufacturing company. Anderson also served in various operational roles at General Motors (GM). Before joining GM, Mr. Anderson served in the military for 13 years, including his service as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army, and is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Mr. Anderson currently serves on the board of directors of or an advisor to various industry organizations and previously served on the board of directors of several New York Stock Exchange companies, including Rite Aid Corporation, from April 2006 to April 2019, and as the chairman of each of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago-Detroit Branch and the U.S. Department of Commerce Manufacturing Council. Soave has more than 20 years of marketing and brand experience, primarily in the automotive industry. She currently serves as the chief brand officer of CrossCountry Mortgage, a retail mortgage lender. From April 2018 to January 2021, Soave served as executive vice president, Marketing & Merchandising of Icahn Automotive Group LLC, an aftermarket parts distribution and service company. Prior to that, Soave served as senior vice president, chief marketing & communications officer of Federal-Mogul Holdings, Corp., an $8 billion automotive supplier (subsequently acquired by Tenneco), from September 2014 to April 2018. Soave’s additional marketing and brand experience includes roles with Ford Motor Co., Volkswagen Group of America Inc., Chrysler Group LLC and Gerson Lehrman Group. Soave currently serves on the board of directors of K&N Engineering, a global manufacturer of automotive performance filtration products, and the Walsh College Foundation. “We are truly excited to have Joe and Laura join our Board. Each has deep and relevant automotive and executive experience and will make valuable contributions to Lordstown as we bring the Endurance to market and reposition the company,” said Daniel A. Ninivaggi, Lordstown Motors CEO. “On behalf of the entire Board, I’d also like to express my sincere appreciation to retiring directors, Michael Gates and Martin J. Rucidlo, for their service and many contributions on the Board.” “Dan and his team have made significant progress in the transition to a scalable business model, starting with the Endurance launch and the partnership with Foxconn, and these appointments reflect both the progress and Board’s confidence in Dan and his management team,” said Angela Strand, outgoing board chairwoman.  Source: Aftermarket News

GM’s next workplace safety chief to rejoin automaker after 18 months at Amazon

General Motors’ next vice president of global workplace safety will rejoin the automaker after 18 months at Amazon. Marcos Purty will take on the role, effective June 1, replacing Jim Glynn, who will retire after more than 40 years with GM, effective Sept. 1, GM said in a statement Friday. For the past 18 months, Purty has been vice president of North America Fulfillment for Amazon Robotics Sortable Operations. He spent the first 25 years of his career with GM. In his last post with GM, from January to October 2020, Purty was executive director of global manufacturing strategy and planning. Purty “directed GM Manufacturing’s footprint in cost and profitability, spearheaded new product allocation to increase manufacturing utilization, built a total utilization plan and footprint for GM’s all-electric future, and implemented environmentally sustainable choices for the future,” GM said in the statement. Purty will report directly to GM CEO Mary Barra and indirectly to Gerald Johnson, executive vice president of global manufacturing and sustainability. “We are pleased to welcome Marcos back to General Motors,” Barra said in the statement. “Marcos’ global experience across our manufacturing operations, engineering and launch teams, as well as his external experience, position him well to continue the company’s safety transformation.” Before leading workplace safety, Glynn served as vice president of labor relations, vice president of GM International and GM China Manufacturing, executive director of global manufacturing engineering and program management and manufacturing manager for several U.S. plants and GM operations in Mexico and Canada. Glynn worked in eight GM plants with various manufacturing operations and held leadership posts at Flint Assembly, Flint Stamping and Grand Blanc Stamping. “We thank Jim for his dedication, his credibility as a leader and his genuine passion for people to lead the change to create an enterprise-wide safety culture,” Barra said in the statement. “Our safety culture would not be what it is today if it were not for Jim’s experience and leadership, and for that we are forever grateful.”  Source: Automotive News

TIA Reorganizes Leadership Team

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has reorganized its leadership team in a move to create an organizational structure that will better serve TIA’s mission into the future, CEO Richard Gust has announced. The changes include new titles and responsibilities for long-time TIA executives Sandra Martinez, who becomes chief operating officer; Kevin Rohlwing, who is now chief technical officer; and LaKisha Pindell, who has been named vice president of meetings and events. Martinez, Rohlwing and Pindell will report to Gust. The changes became effective May 1. Previously vice president of operations, Martinez is a 24-year veteran of TIA who has an in-depth understanding of all facets of the association’s operations, the company says. As COO, she will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day business operations, including finance and human resources, as well as ensuring the infrastructure is in place to achieve TIA’s strategic goals and deliver on its mission statement. In addition, she will have a direct responsibility to oversee policies and procedures needed to effectively drive sustainable growth and operational efficiency. Rohlwing, who most recently served as TIA’s senior vice president of training, has spent 26 years developing and overseeing the association’s tire technician training programs. As CTO, he will be responsible for analyzing tire industry data and trends to ensure the content and direction of the association’s technical training programs, seminars, workshops and white papers are aligned with TIA’s strategic goals, the company says. In addition, he will be tasked with ensuring TIA’s industry positions are consistent with existing regulations, standards, guidelines and best practices, as well as defending those positions in regulatory proceedings and civil litigation when necessary. He also will create timelines for the development and deployment of technology services to maintain a member-focused outlook and ensure that technical resources meet the association’s short- and long-term goals, the company says. Pindell, a certified meetings planner, has spent 18 years at TIA managing board meetings, special events, and conferences. She also has worked to solicit sponsorships and advertising for TIA publications and programs. In her role as vice president of meetings and events, she will be responsible for overseeing all activities related to conducting association meetings, conferences and special events to ensure they are well executed and align with TIA’s strategic goals and mission statement, the organization says.  Source: Aftermarket News

Hesai Appoints Bob in den Bosch as SVP of Global Sales

Hesai Technology, a global developer of lidar for ADAS and autonomous driving, has hired Bob in den Bosch as senior vice president of sales. Mr. in den Bosch brings to the role more than two decades of experience as a business leader in the automotive, industrial and semiconductor industries. Bob will be responsible for Hesai’s automotive business as well as its continued expansion into new industry verticals. He will oversee sales, sales operations and business development across North America, South America and EMEA. He joins Hesai from the sensor and light technology company OSRAM, where he served as vice president of sales for North America. Prior to that, he held leadership positions at Lumileds, and NXP Semiconductors. “The global market has been an integral part of Hesai’s business since its foundation. Our customer base in AMER and EMEA is expanding at a considerable pace, and for that we are investing heavily in building a strong Americas team,” said David Li, CEO of Hesai. “Bob’s joining not only brings in decades-long of valuable experience to Hesai, but it is also a timely one. We’re delighted to welcome him onboard to accelerate our growth and cement our market leadership across every vertical in ADAS and Autonomous Driving.”  Source: Aftermarket News

Karma Automotive Names New Interior Design Director

Karma Automotive, a Southern California-based luxury electric automaker announced that Nicholas David, an accomplished automotive designer, has been hired to lead the company’s global interior design efforts at Karma’s Design Center. Nicholas David will be reporting to David Hilton, Karma’s senior director of global designs and brand, and shall play an integral role in designing production and concept cars. In his new role at Karma, David will oversee the interior design team to achieve industry leading EV focused interior design and to support the brand visions in delivering world class executions for Karma worldwide. “Nicholas brings a diverse and international skillset to Karma design team to support our strong future,” said David Hilton. “It is my pleasure to work with Nicholas David. He is a fantastic designer who will undoubtedly raise our interior design standards even further, while supporting our long-term value for the Karma brand.” Prior to joining Karma, David spent three years as chief designer of exteriors at Advanced Design Los Angeles for the GAC Group, working on numerous production and concept design programs and strategy projects for the new Aion brand. David’s career spans more than 20 years, during which he had leadership roles at Honda R&D and GM Advanced Design studios in USA as well as with Jaguar and Land Rover in the UK. He also held the director role at Aria Group’s Design consultancy, contributing to high-profile projects for BMW, SpaceX, Gulfstream, SAIC, Nest and Zoox. “I am excited to join the talented design team at Karma Automotive at a time when the design language is undergoing a radical change,” said David. “I look forward to lead the interior design direction and strategy to a new level of execution and to solidify Karma’s interior spaces through their premium luxury expression.” David earned an engineering degree from Swansea University in Wales and received a Master’s Degree in Vehicle Design at the world-renowned design school, The Royal College of Art, London. He started his first job in the Advanced Design Studio at GM in Coventry, UK.  Source: Aftermarket News

US Motor Works Hires New Team Members

US Motor Works has announced the hiring of two new team members, Mike Konar and Simone Paoli. Mike Konar has the title of operations manager and is based in Santa Fe Springs. He has been given oversight of operations in Santa Fe Springs, La Mirada, and Fullerton facilities. Simone Paoli has the title of senior supply chain manager and is based in La Mirada. Paoli has been given oversight of the supply chain in the US. Reporting to Paoli are the purchasing/procurement, inbound freight, and outbound freight teams. Both Konar and Paoli bring years of experience to their new positions at US Motor Works.  Source: Aftermarket News

Truck Hero Announces Retirement of CEO Bill Reminder

Truck Hero, Inc. has announced that after more than 20 successful years building Truck Hero into the preeminent player in the industry, President and CEO Bill Reminder has announced his plans to retire. The company’s board of directors has commenced a search process to identify the company’s next CEO, and has retained Heidrick & Struggles, a leading global executive search firm, to assist in the process. Reminder will remain as CEO until a successor is identified and will continue to serve on the board following the transition as Truck Hero’s largest individual investor. Marc Magliacano, Truck Hero board chairman, and a managing partner at L Catterton, said, “Bill is a visionary leader who has transformed both Truck Hero and the industry over the last two decades. On behalf of the entire Board, I thank Bill for his leadership and invaluable contributions, which have enabled Truck Hero to grow from a single manufacturing facility with $20 million in annual revenue to the nearly $2 billion industry powerhouse it is today, with a portfolio of 28 manufacturer brands and a growing e-commerce and community platform led by RealTruck.com. Under Bill’s leadership, Truck Hero has become the premier accessories provider for truck, Jeep and off-road owners with more than 570 patents, partnerships with over 12,000 dealers and distributors, and a passionate base of two million loyal Realtruck.com customers. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Bill on the board as the company enters its next chapter of growth.” “It has been a true privilege to lead Truck Hero over the last 20 years,” said Reminder. “Of all our accomplishments, I am most proud of having grown the passionate and talented Truck Hero team to more than 5,000 dedicated associates across the U.S. and Canada, many of whom I’m proud to call friends. We started with a bold vision for growth, and I am incredibly grateful to our team and to our private equity partners for helping us bring it to life. As we continue to accelerate our growth plan, I remain excited about our future and believe now is the right time to transition our leadership to jumpstart the company’s next phase of expansion. I look forward to continuing my role on the Board and serving as an ambassador for the company’s next chapter of success.”  Source: Aftermarket News

VP Racing Fuels Names COO, VP of Branded Retail

VP Racing Fuels, Inc. has announced that Karen Madden has been promoted to COO.  Most recently serving as Vice President of Branded Retail, Madden will assume responsibility for the operations of VP’s three manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping facilities in Texas and Tennessee in her new position. “Karen did a fantastic job as our VP of Branded Retail, growing the division by double digits in the past three years,” said Alan Cerwick, president & CEO of VP Racing Fuels. “Her deep industry experience in systems, logistics, and distribution will ensure we meet the demands of our incredible growth and anticipated accelerated growth as we expand globally.”  Madden joined VP in 2019 after 16 years at DTN, where she was senior vice president, responsible for two of DTN’s largest businesses, energy, and agriculture. Prior to DTN, she was with ExxonMobil and FuelQuest, holding positions that touched every aspect of the wholesale and retail fuels industry. She holds both a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Haas School of Business at the University of California Berkeley.  Assuming the role of vice president of branded retail is Ben Dolan. Dolan was most recently VP’s vice president of marketing. Dolan joined VP in 2020 following more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience across a broad range of industries. Dolan earned his BS in marketing and MBA with a digital marketing concentration from the University of Dayton.  Source: Aftermarket News