The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Aftermarket Suppliers, an association in North America representing motor-vehicle component manufacturers, has announced the appointment of Jon Gentile as the new vice president of Legislative Affairs, according to a press release dated Nov. 11. With an extensive background in advocacy and government relations, including his most recent role as the chief advocacy officer for the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (P...

Motorcar Parts of America (MPA), a US-based remanufacturer, manufacturer and distributor of automotive aftermarket parts, announced significant changes to its traditional sales team ahead of its participation in the recently concluded Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, according to a press release dated Oct. 31. The move included the promotion of Craig Meadows and the hiring of Jake Boggs. The company said Meadows is an industry veteran with more than 28 years of ...

BorgWarner Inc. announced a significant leadership change set to take place on Feb. 6, 2025, as Joseph Fadool, currently the executive vice president and COO, will assume the role of president and CEO. This transition comes as Frédéric Lissalde, the current president and CEO, prepares for retirement and will step down from the board of directors. To facilitate a smooth transition, Lissalde will serve in an advisory capacity until Aug. 30, 2025. Alexis P. Michas, non-executive chairman of th...

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a US-based trade organization for the automotive aftermarket industry, has announced leadership appointments to better address the evolving needs of the automotive aftermarket industry, according to a press release dated Oct. 17. As part of the move, Jim Moore has assumed the role of vice president, OEM and Product Development, leading efforts at SEMA Garage facilities in Diamond Bar, Calif., and Plymouth, Mich., to aid in product development...

Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), a European automotive aftermarket distributor, has announced a significant leadership shift within its German business unit with Fabian Roberg, who has been the managing director of AAG's German operations and is set to resign by the end of October, according to a press release dated Oct. 14. Since AAG's acquisition of Roberg's family business in 2015, he has been instrumental in growing the German unit's revenue from €150 million to over half a billion...

Dana Inc., the Ohio, US-based global supplier of drivetrain and propulsion systems as well as aftermarket solutions, has announced the appointment of Seth Metzger as the new senior vice president and chief technology officer (CTO), taking over from Christophe Dominiak, who is retiring, according to a press release dated Oct. 9. Metzger has spent over two decades at Dana, and his career at the company has been marked by several key positions, including senior vice president of Electrification ...

Moss Motors and Rimmer Bros, both global suppliers of replacement and restoration parts for British marque vehicles, have announced that following their merger earlier in 2024, they have appointed Ben Smart as Global CEO, according to a press release dated Sept. 30. Smart, a leader in the automotive aftermarket sector, will oversee global expansion and innovation for the companies, which serve over 240,000 customers in 150 countries, the release added.  Under Smart's le...

Phinia, the spinoff company of the fuel systems and aftermarket segments of Michigan, US-based powertrain technologies supplier BorgWarner, announced that it has appointed David Illes as the director of Aftermarket and OES Sales, Marketing and Training for its Delphi, Delco Remy and Hartridge brands in North America, according to a press release dated Oct. 1. Illes is tasked with spearheading the strategy and execution for his teams, aligning with the company's overarching vision and val...

California, US-based charging-point operator (CPO) ChargePoint has announced the appointment of David Vice as chief revenue officer, according to a press release dated Sept. 16. The company, recognized for its extensive array of networked charging solutions for electric vehicles, has brought in Vice to spearhead growth initiatives, especially within the global Sales and Marketing departments. In a statement, Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint, expressed confidence in Vice's appointment, highl...

SKF Group has announced that Olaf Henning has been appointed SKF Group's general manager and head of Global Automotive Aftermarket, effective mid November, according to a press release dated Sept. 12. He takes over from Philipp Herlein who has become the managing director of the Global SKF Lubrication & MPT Division. Henning previously served as executive vice president at Mahle Group, where he was responsible for strategic and operational management of the company's Afterm...

US-based The Timken Co., a global manufacturer in engineered bearings and industrial motion products, announced that it has appointed Tarak Mehta as president and CEO, according to a press release dated Sept. 5. Mehta, who brings with him a wealth of experience from his tenure at ABB, where he was a member of the group executive committee and president of its Motion business, was also elected to Timken's board of directors. Mehta's appointment comes after a thorough search process by the...

NexaMotion Group (NMG), a US-based company offering solutions to simplify complex vehicle repair, has announced the expansion of its executive team with the appointment of Erik St. Pierre as the president of its subsidiary, Transend Auto Tech, according to a press release dated Aug. 29. This move is aimed at bolstering the adoption and growth of Transend's platform within the automotive sector. St. Pierre, who comes from a strong background in the automotive parts e-commerce industry, pr...

German oil, additives and car-care specialist Liqui Moly announced that it is making strategic appointments to its management team to address future challenges and foster international growth and customer focus, according to a press release dated Aug. 21. As part of the move, Salvatore Coniglio, who has been with the company for nearly 23 years, has been appointed as managing director while continuing in his role as export director. The duo of managing directors, Günter Hiermaier and Uli Wel...

UK-based manufacturer of aftermarket emissions products, BM Catalysts, announced that it has recently appointed Tom Vallé as its newest senior marketing manager, according to a press release dated Aug. 24. Vallé, who comes with an extensive background in automotive marketing and sales, has been brought on board to enhance the BM Catalysts brand through his comprehensive experience in the automotive sector, including both aftermarket and dealership industries. His responsibilities include ma...

Mann+Hummel, a global filtration technology company, has announced Hanno Höhn has been appointed as the chief performance officer, a role in which he will report directly to Kurk Wilks, the company's president and CEO, according to a press release dated Aug. 13. Höhn, who is also the managing director of Mann+Hummel's German entity, will maintain his current responsibilities while taking on this new position. As chief performance officer, his role will focus on driving the ongoing developme...

US-based automotive parts distributor Genuine Parts Co. (GPC) announced the appointment of Jenn Hulett as executive vice president and chief people officer, effective Aug. 19, in a press release issued on the same date. Hulett's appointment follows the retirement announcement of Jim Neill, who has committed to continue in an advisory capacity until Sept. 30 to facilitate a smooth transition. In her new role, Hulett will oversee GPC's global human resources operations, contributing to the comp...

High Bar Brands (HBB), a North American supplier of heavy-duty truck parts, has announced the strengthening of its sales leadership and senior team with the appointment of Mike Selick as vice president of Sales, according to a press release dated Aug. 13. This move comes alongside Derek Quys' elevation to the role of senior vice president of Sales and Business Development. HBB, recognized for its five leading brands — Minimizer, Premier Manufacturing, Dieter's, Panelite and Viking Mud ...

US-based Aesop Auto Parts, a distributor of automotive parts and accessories founded in 2021 by affiliates of private equity firms Outerbound Capital and American Pacific Group, has announced the addition of Rob Wagman to its board of directors, according to a press release dated Aug. 12. Wagman brings over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, including his tenure as president and CEO of LKQ Corp. from 2012 to 2017. During his leadership at LKQ, Wagman escalated the company's re...

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Aftermarket Suppliers, an association in North America representing motor-vehicle component manufacturers, has announced the appointment of Rob Allerton as the vice president of Commercial Vehicle Membership, according to a press release dated July 31. In this new role, Allerton will focus on enhancing the support for the commercial vehicle sector within the MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers group through strategic planning, business ...

Finland-based original equipment (OE) and replacement tire manufacturer Nokian Tyres has announced the appointment of Paolo Pompei as its new president and CEO, with an effective start date by Jan. 1, 2025, at the latest, according to a press release dated July 20. This decision follows the notification from the current President and CEO Jukka Moisio of his intention to retire in 2024, as communicated on March 27. Moisio, who has been at the helm since 2020, will continue ...

Zack Heisey, Dana Inc.'s senior manager of Aftermarket Engineering, has been appointed to the Toledo Jeep Fest (TJF) board of directors, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his tenure with Dana and his involvement with TJF since its foundational planning stages, according to a press release dated July 23. With over 14 years at Dana, Heisey has significantly contributed to the development of notable Dana products such as the Ultimate Dana 60, Ultimate Dana 44 and Ultimate Dana 80 axl...

In a press release dated July 23, Sogefi announced that Frédéric Sipahi has resigned as CEO and general manager in order to undertake a new and different professional project. Sipahi’s resignation from his role as CEO will be effective at the end of July, and from his role as general manager at the end of August. Sogefi has decided to activate the noncompete clause provided under his employment contract for a duration of one year, which entails the payment of a total g...

LKQ Corp., a Chicago-based provider of alternative and specialty parts and services for automobiles and other vehicles, announced the appointment of Andrew Clarke to the company’s board of directors as a new independent director, effective immediately, according to a press release dated July 22. With the addition of Clarke, the LKQ board will consist of 10 members, eight of whom are independent. Clarke brings significant logistics, transportation, operations and financial expertis...

Porsche Cars Canada Ltd. (PCL) announced it appointed Matthias Wacker the new head of the aftersales department, taking over from Alexander Pretsch, who has now assumed the role of director, customer relations at Porsche AG, according to a press release dated July 2. PCL is the exclusive importer and distributor of the Porsche 911, 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, Taycan, Panamera, and the Cayenne and Macan. Wacker's transition to the Canadian subsidiary comes after a tenure at Porsche AG in Germa...

Diesel Technic UK, a supplier of automotive parts and accessories, has recently made several strategic appointments to its sales team, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to expanding its customer base in the UK and enhancing support for partners and end-user fleets, according to a press release dated July 9. As part of the move, Luke Winship and Kevin Petrie have been appointed sales managers for the Central region and the North and Northern Ireland region, respectively. These appoin...

Automotive supplier Continental has announced that Egemen Atış is set to assume the role of head of Strategy, Analysis and Marketing (SAM) for Continental's Tire Replacement business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, based out of Hanover, Germany, according to a press release dated July 1. Atış will be responsible for a diverse range of functions including Product Management, Marketing Communications, Public Relations, eBusiness, Business Analytics, Pricing, a...

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd., a global coatings company, has announced the appointment of Chris Evans as vice president of Global Strategy and Colleen Lubic as vice president of Investor Relations, according to a press release dated July 9. The company said the move signals a strategic strengthening of its leadership team. These appointments are effective immediately, highlighting the company's focus on enhancing its strategic planning and investor relations. Evans, who previ...

US-based NTN Bearings Corporation, the parent entity of BCA Bearings and Bower Bearings, announced that it has expanded its automotive aftermarket sales team by appointing Mike Ferris as the regional sales manager for the Central Region, according to a press release dated June 27. Charles Harris, vice president of Sales & Marketing – Automotive Aftermarket for NTN, expressed enthusiasm over Ferris's appointment, highlighting his significant experience in the automotive and heavy-duty af...

Meko (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, announced that Michael Løve announced his resignation from the Board of Directors at MEKO to dedicate his efforts entirely to his position as CEO of the Danish energy company OK, according to a press release dated July 2. Løve, who joined MEKO's board in 2020 while also serving as OK's CEO, made this decision following the recent approval by Danish competition authorities of OK's significant investment...

Phinia, the spinoff company of the fuel systems and aftermarket segments of Michigan-based powertrain technologies supplier BorgWarner, has announced the appointment of Russell Stebbins as the general manager of its North American aftermarket business, according to a press release dated June 28. In this role, Stebbins will be responsible for leading the North American aftermarket team and spearheading the development of sales strategies targeting independent aftermarket and original equipment...

Methode Electronics, Inc., a global supplier specializing in custom-engineered solutions for user interface, LED lighting systems and power distribution applications, has announced Jon DeGaynor's appointment as its new president, CEO and member of the board of directors, effective July 15, according to a press release dated June 25. DeGaynor, succeeding interim CEO Kevin Nystrom from AlixPartners LLP since May 7, brings an extensive 35-year career history in engineered-products businesses to ...

Akebono Brake Corporation, based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, has announced on June 28, 2024, the appointment of Erick Kinnunen as the new regional sales manager. Kinnunen is said to bring to the role an extensive career spanning 40 years in aftermarket sales, training and management, reflecting a deep-seated passion and knowledge in the automotive sector — a passion fueled by his early exposure to car restoration through his grandfather, the release added. The company says Kinnunen's ...

GSP North America, a manufacturer and distributor in the automotive aftermarket, has announced the appointment of Evan Bauer as director of Key Accounts, according to a press release dated June 24. In this role, Bauer will be responsible for managing and growing key accounts in the retail segment for GSP's lines across North America. Bauer's experience as an aftermarket sales and product management leader brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the GSP team, the company said. "G...

Navistar, Inc., based in Lisle, Ill., announced the appointment of Dan Kayser as the new executive vice president of commercial operations, effective July 1, according to a press release dated June 18. This addition to the executive leadership team is part of Navistar's strategic effort to bolster its position in the commercial transportation industry and to embrace change management, the release added. Kayser's role will involve collaboration with the executive team to enhance customer satis...

Continental Aftermarket US, a supplier of original equipment (OE)-engineered aftermarket replacement parts and advanced diagnostics, announced that it has appointed Stefan Feder as the new head of Automotive Aftermarket & OES for North America, according to a press release dated June 13. The company said Feder brings 20 years of industry experience, having served in different roles at Continental, Continental Tire and Continental ContiTech since his joining in 2004. His recent p...

Holley Performance Brands, a US-based automotive aftermarket performance solutions company, has announced the appointment of Charan Mann as chief information officer, according to a press release dated June 12. Mann's role will be to direct the IT strategy of Holley, developing and implementing a technology roadmap based on industry best practices. She will be using innovative technologies to improve the online experience for Holley's retailer and distributor network, as well as the...

ZKW Group, a specialist in innovative premium lighting systems and electronics, announced that Andreas Nix has assumed the position of COO of the company on June 1, 2024, succeeding Stefan Hornivius, who is leaving the company for personal reasons, according to a press release dated June 3. Until his replacement is found, Nix will also continue in his current role as general plant manager of ZKW Lichtsysteme GmbH. The company said he has demonstrated impressive management ability within the Z...

Motorcar Parts of America Inc. (MPAA) has announced the appointment of Dan Lelchuk as director of Business Development for brake products, according to a press release dated June 6. The company said Lelchuk is an industry veteran who previously served as the president, CEO and co-founder of Centric Parts. His role at MPAA will focus on supporting and enhancing brake calipers, brake pads and brake rotor product offerings. “Dan Lelchuk’s background complements the company’s f...

Advance Auto Parts Inc., an automotive aftermarket parts provider in North America that serves both professional installers and do-it-yourself customers, announced that Ken Bush, senior vice president and chief merchant, will retire from the company after nearly 20 years and be succeeded by Bruce Starnes, who has been named executive vice president and chief merchant, effective June 24, 2024, according to a press release dated May 29. Starnes, 48, who will lead all aspects of merchandising st...

FIGIEFA, the Europe-based international federation of independent automotive aftermarket distributors, announced that it has elected a new board of directors during its General Assembly in Istanbul, according to a press release dated May 22. The board comprises professionals from national associations and automotive spare parts distribution companies across Europe. The newly appointed board members are Mads Engberg as president (representing AUTIG from Denmark), Bastian Müller as vice presid...

Luca Parasacco has been appointed head of Maserati Europe, effective May 20. This appointment comes as part of a wider restructuring within Maserati Commercial, which aims to cover the brand's objectives and strengthen the team headed by global Chief Commercial Officer Luca Delfino, who was appointed in January. Parasacco has been a part of the group since 1997, and in his previous role as head of global DISTRIGO, he led a distribution network supplying original spare parts to 11 brands under th...

US-based automotive components original equipment manufacturer, and aftermarket ride control and emission-products manufacturer, Tenneco, announced that former Gov. Chris Christie was appointed to its Board of Directors, effective May 30, 2024, according to a press release dated May 21. The company says Christie has extensive leadership experience. On Jan. 19, 2010, he was inaugurated as the 55th Governor of the State of New Jersey and re-elected with 60% of the vote in November of 2013 and s...

Dayco, a US-based engine products and drive-systems supplier for the automotive and aftermarket industries, announced the appointment of several strategic leadership positions, as well as the relocation of the company’s headquarters to Birmingham, Mich., according to a press release dated May 1. The position includes the appointment of Audrey Harling as vice president and managing director of N.A. Aftermarket and Global Strategy and Planning. Harling has a career steeped in strategic planni...

Genuine Parts Co. (GPC), a global distributor of automotive and industrial replacement parts, has announced that Paul Donahue will transition from chairman and CEO to executive chairman, effective June 3, according to a press release dated April 29. At that time, William Stengel, currently president and COO, will succeed Donahue as president and CEO of GPC and will serve as a member of the board of directors. "The board is confident that Will is the right person to lead GPC into the future an...

US-based aftermarket repair facility provider FullSpeed Automotive has announced the appointment of Stacey Pool as the new chief marketing officer, effective May 28, according to a press release dated May 1. FullSpeed Automotive owns brands such as Grease Monkey, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service, and Kwik Kar. Pool brings over two decades of marketing and e-commerce experience with industry-leading brands including Nike, Vail Resorts and most recently, Noodles & Company. Throughout h...

OCTO, a Rome-based company involved in telematics and data analytics services for the Insurance, Fleet Management, and Intelligent Mobility sectors, has announced the appointment of Corrado Sciolla as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and member of the Board of Directors. Sciolla, previously general manager of Wind, President of BT Group Europe and CEO of Cedacri, will lead the global company from Italy, with the aim of consolidating its leadership in the connected mobility sector. He is ...

Holley Performance Brands, a US-based automotive aftermarket performance solutions company, has announced that Chet Baker has joined the organization as senior vice president of Sales, according to a press release dated April 10. Baker is among several new sales leaders to recently join the organization as the company strengthens its sales team to engage enthusiasts more directly across the company’s consumer vertical groupings: Domestic Muscle, Modern Truck & Off-Road, Euro & ...

Eucon Americas has announced the appointment of Paul Zorrilla as managing director Latin America, according to a press release dated March 22. In his new role, he will continue to build up the local presence of the automotive division in Latin America and help Eucon to systematically expand its American network. Eucon Latin America is a fully owned subsidiary of Eucon Americas LLC, based in Atlanta. Zorrilla was announced as regional director when the subsidiary first opened in April 202...

US-based automotive aftermarket supplier Transtar Holding Co. has announced the promotion of Anna Gluck to the position of chief human resources officer to support the company's rapid growth plans through organic expansion and targeted acquisitions, according to a press release dated April 1. Gluck has been with Transtar since 2020, where she led the company's total rewards program and employee engagement efforts, with a strategic focus on employee training and development programs, and attra...

Holley Performance Brands, a company involved in automotive aftermarket performance solutions, has announced the addition of two new senior leaders who will focus on enhancing the customer experience across Holley’s portfolio of brands, according to a press release dated March 26. The company said that Charlie Taylor and Will Robbins, who collectively represent nearly 50 years of automotive industry experience, have joined the organization as vice president of Digital Strategy and vice pres...

Hitachi Astemo Americas, Inc, a manufacturer of engine management, electric powertrain, and integrated vehicle controls, announced that Jose Gonzalez has been named the new Marketing Manager for the Hitachi Astemo Americas Aftermarket Division, according to a press release dated Mar. 21. Gonzalez steps into the role that was vacated by Hannah Hua, who will be taking on a new role as Project Manager at Hitachi Astemo Americas Aftermarket Division. As Marketing Manager for the Hitachi Astemo...

Stoneridge, a US-based manufacturer of electrical and electronic components, modules and systems for the automotive, commercial vehicle and off-highway industries, announced the appointment of Troy Cooprider to the position of chief technology officer, according to a press release dated March 14. Cooprider will set the company’s strategic technology and product roadmaps, and support future innovation and growth through oversight of the global engineering function. “We have a cle...

The supervisory board of Schaeffler AG has agreed to renew the contracts of Executive Board Members Matthias Zink and Jens Schüler for five years each, effective Jan. 1, 2025, according to a press release dated Feb. 23, 2024. Zink has been a member of the executive board and CEO of Schaeffler’s Automotive Technologies division since Jan. 1, 2017. Schüler was appointed to the executive board on Jan. 1, 2022, serving in that capacity as CEO of the Group’s global Automotive Aftermarket div...

Meko (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, announced that its nomination committee has proposed Dominick Zarcone as the new chairman of the board in Meko AB at the Annual General Meeting 2024, according to a press release dated Feb. 19. Zarcone currently serves as the president and CEO of LKQ Corp., listed on the Nasdaq, and has an extensive background with several senior executive roles in major corporations, the release added. According...

German automotive supplier Hella, which operates under the umbrella brand Forvia, announced that it has appointed Philippe Vienney as CFO of Forvia Hella and appointed him as a new member of the management board in this function, according to a press release dated Feb. 7. Vienney will take up the post on March 1. He will take over as CFO from Bernard Schäferbarthold, CEO at Forvia Hella, who is acting CFO until Vienney takes office. Economist Vienney has been with Forvia, the world's se...

US-based automotive aftermarket supplier and remanufacturer BBB Industries has announced two strategic leadership changes, according to a press release dated Feb. 12. John Boyer has been appointed president of the company's Undercar division, after serving as president of Terrepower, the innovative Solar System and Electric Vehicle Battery Life-cycle Management division. The company believes Boyer’s product and market insights, and hands-on approach are ideally suited to lead BBB’s Underc...

French mobility group Mobivia has announced that a new board of directors for the company, which includes 11 brands and around 20 start-ups, was elected during the annual General Meeting that was held on Jan. 27, according to a press release dated Feb. 2. The new board has appointed Romain Sartorius, grandson of Norauto founder Eric Derville, as chairman and CEO of Mobivia for the next four years.  Sartorius succeeds Fabien Derville, son of Eric Derville and chairman and CEO of Mobivia f...

US-based paints, coatings and specialty-materials manufacturer PPG announced that Irene Tasi, currently senior vice president and chief growth officer (CGO), will become senior vice president of Industrial Coatings. In addition, Alisha Bellezza, currently vice president of Automotive Coatings, will become senior vice president of Automotive Coatings, according to a press release dated Jan. 30. Both appointments are effective March 1, 2024. Tasi was named CGO and a member of the company’s op...

Lithia & Driveway (LAD), an automotive retailer in North America that also provides a suite of financing, leasing, repair and maintenance options, announced that it has promoted Adam Chamberlain to chief customer officer (CCO), according to a press release dated Jan. 23. With the foundational elements of the LAD Strategy now in place, Chamberlain's expanded role will involve innovating the customer experience across the company’s extensive network, including the Driveway experience, Gre...

Holley Inc., a US-based automotive aftermarket performance solutions firm, has announced that Philip Dobbs has joined the organization as senior vice president of Customer Experience Marketing, according to a press release dated Jan. 18. Dobbs has taken on a newly created role focused on providing the best possible brand, product and service engagements across the company’s business-to-business and business-to-consumer (B2C) touchpoints. “Philip is a dynamic marketing leader wit...

Tenneco has announced the appointment of Marc McAllister as Öhlins Racing’s new vice president and general manager, and Tom Wittenschlaeger to the newly created position of general manager, North America, according to a press release dated Jan. 17. McAllister replaces Henrik Johansson, who announced in 2023 that he would retire after nearly 30 years as a member of the Öhlins team. Both McAllister and Wittenschlaeger will be charged with capturing opportunities for growth for the European ...

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has announced that Mark Stewart has been elected CEO and president, effective Jan. 29, according to a press release dated Jan. 18. He will succeed Richard Kramer, who previously announced his planned retirement from the company following 24 years of service, including 14 years as chairman, CEO and president. On the effective date, Laurette Koellner, independent lead director of Goodyear’s board since 2019, will become non-executive board chair, and Stewart wi...

Metelli Group, an Italy-based automobile parts manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Fabrizio Sanna as its new general manager, according to a press release dated Jan. 17.  The company said that Sanna will be part of the Metelli SpA management team as general manager with effect from Jan. 1. Sanna has proven long-lasting experience in automotive multinational manufacturer companies holding top management positions and worldwide experience in leading strategy roles, acc...

German components supplier and filtration expert Mann+Hummel has announced that as of April 1, Mann+Hummel has appointed Henk in ’t Hof as president Life Sciences & Environment (LS&E), according to a press release dated Jan. 3. In his role, in ‘t Hof will be responsible for Mann+Hummel’s global Air Filtration and Water Membrane Solutions business. He will report directly to Kurk Wilks, president and CEO of the Mann+Hummel Group. Dutch-born in ‘t Hof has gained over 30 years...

Australian automotive aftermarket parts distributor CoolDrive Auto Parts has announced that it has appointed Gerard Belleville as its new CEO, following John Blanchard's assumption of the role of executive chairman, according to a press release dated Jan. 11. Belleville brings extensive experience in various industry sectors, including 27 years as an audit partner in several chartered accounting firms and 17 years with Deloitte Australia, where he held several leadership roles. Blanchard, ...

Hella, an international automotive supplier operating under the Forvia umbrella brand, has announced that Marcel Wiedmann has taken over the management of the global spare parts and workshop business at Hella with effect from Jan. 1, according to a press release dated Jan. 15. In his role, Wiedmann reports to Stefan van Dalen, who, as a member of the Hella management board, is responsible for the Lifecycle Solutions Business Group and was previously head of the Spare Parts and Workshop b...

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Aftermarket Suppliers, an association in North America representing motor-vehicle component manufacturers, has announced that Ana Meuwissen will be joining the MEMA Advocacy team as the senior vice president of Government Affairs, according to a press release dated Jan. 12. The move follows the retirement of Ann Wilson, who has been an integral part of MEMA for over 20 years, at the end of 2024. "Her remarkable journey with ...

UK-based drive-systems supplier, GKN Automotive, announced that it has appointed Volker Schwarz as its new chief information officer (CIO), with immediate effect, according to a press release dated Jan. 2. Reporting directly to GKN Automotive’s CEO Markus Bannert, Schwarz will join the company’s executive team, responsible for driving its global IT strategy. The appointment reflects a new phase in the brand’s commitment to IT investment and development. Schwarz joins with more than 2...

CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, has elected Matthias Zink as its new president for a two-year term starting in January 2024, according to a press release dated Jan. 9. Zink is CEO Automotive Technologies at Schaeffler and will succeed Thorsten Muschal who has held the position since 2020. “CLEPA represents over 3,000 companies, from multi-nationals to SMEs, supplying state-of-the-art components and innovative technology for safe, smart, and sustainable mobility acro...

Advance Auto Parts, an automotive aftermarket parts distributor in North America, announced that it has appointed Elizabeth Dreyer as its new senior vice president, controller and chief accounting officer, effective Jan. 9, according to a press release dated Jan. 5.  Dreyer brings over 30 years of accounting and finance experience to the role, having most recently served as chief accounting officer and controller at Amyris Inc., a public biotechnology company. Prior to Amyris, she held v...

Valeo has appointed Edouard de Pirey as the new CFO, it said in a press release dated Jan. 2. De Pirey will replace Robert Charvier, who will retire on March 29 after 24 years with the company. Charvier will remain with Valeo in an advisory capacity until his departure. De Pirey began his career as a civil servant in New Caledonia before joining the French Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry in 2006. He joined Valeo in 2009 as group vice president of Corporate Planning and Str...

Alcoa Corp., a global company involved in the manufacturing of bauxite, alumina and aluminum products, has announced that it has appointed Matt Reed as its executive vice president and COO, effective Jan. 1, 2024, according to a press release dated Dec. 21, 2023. Reed, who will be based in Western Australia, will lead Alcoa’s global operations, including bauxite mines, alumina refineries and aluminum smelters. He will be accountable for operational excellence, focusing on safety, environmen...

Driven Brand Holdings, a US-based automotive service company, has appointed Damien Harmon to its board of directors, effective Jan. 1, 2024, according to a press release dated Dec. 19. Harmon is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in retail and leadership, and will also serve as a member of the compensation committee, the release added. Jonathan Fitzpatrick, CEO and president of Driven Brands, expressed the company's excitement to have Harmon join the board, citing his ex...

Vontier Corp., a US-based provider of critical technologies and solutions to connect, manage and scale the mobility ecosystem, has announced the appointment of Mike Dwyer as president of Matco Tools, according to a press release dated Dec. 12. Dwyer succeeds Tim Gilmore, who will retire from the company following a 36-year career with the organization. Gilmore will serve in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. Matco Tools provides professional mechanics with premiu...

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has announced the appointment of Wayne Bryant to the position of AAAA chairman, according to a press release dated Dec. 21. The AAAA is the national, independent association representing the aftermarket, and the role of the AAAA board is critical in further strengthening the association’s ability to support, develop and future-proof the aftermarket industry, the organization said. Wayne Bryant, who holds the position of CEO, Auto...

Swedish battery-management company CTEK has announced that it has appointed Fredrik Uhrbom as Global Director for the new division Consumer, formerly Aftermarket, according to a press release dated December 13. The Consumer division is primarily end-consumer focused with sales in more than 70 countries via both distributors, retailers and e-retailers, the company said. Uhrbom is said to have extensive experience from several companies within the retail industry. He has, among other roles, wor...

Schaeffler AG has extended the contract of its CEO, Klaus Rosenfeld, for an additional five years, according to a press release dated December 15. Rosenfeld joined the Schaeffler Group as Chief Financial Officer in March 2009. In October 2013, he took over the position of CEO in addition to his role as CFO, initially on an interim basis. In June 2014, he was appointed permanent CEO of Schaeffler AG, whose IPO took place under his leadership in October 2015. With the Roadmap 2025, Klaus Rosenf...

Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket, a German provider of spare parts and services for the automotive industry, has announced two new management appointments to strengthen its leadership team, according to a press release dated Dec. 12. As per the announcement, Maxim Hantsch-Kramskoj is the new president of Business Development & Strategy Automotive Aftermarket and Hamid Manesh has taken over the position of head of Digitalization & IT Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket from Jan. 1, 20...

Fuchs, the world's largest independent supplier of innovative lubricant solutions for almost all industries and applications, has announced that its supervisory board has appointed Timo Reister as deputy chairman of the executive board, according to a press release dated Dec. 8. The appointment is effective Jan. 1, 2024, and is part of the company's long-term succession planning. Reister joined Fuchs in 2009 after completing his studies in business administration and his doctorate, and has be...

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Aftermarket Suppliers, an association in North America representing motor-vehicle component manufacturers, has announced that Julie Fream, president and CEO of MEMA's Original Equipment (OE) Suppliers group, will step down from her role March 31, 2024, according to a press release dated Dec. 11. MEMA has announced that Collin Shaw will succeed Fream as president of the MEMA, OE Suppliers group, effective April 1, 2024.&nbs...

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has appointed Joe Burke as its new vice president of North America Commercial business, according to a press release dated Nov. 30. Burke, who reports to Steve McClellan, president of Goodyear Americas, brings a wealth of experience in the commercial tire and service industry, having previously led commercial sales and original equipment account teams at Goodyear. Significance: Burke succeeds Dave Beasley, who decided to retire after nearly 40 years with ...

LKQ Corporation has announced that it has appointed John Meyne, currently the East Division Vice President of LKQ’s Wholesale – North America segment, to serve as Senior Vice President of LKQ and President of Wholesale – North America effective January 1, 2024, according to a press release dated December 4. Additionally, the company has also appointed Andy Hamilton, currently the Chief Executive Officer of LKQ’s Euro Car Parts business in the United Kingdom and R...

US-based distributor of replacement parts, components and systems LKQ Corp. announced that Dominick Zarcone, the company’s current president and CEO, has informed the company’s board of directors of his intention to retire from his role effective June 30, 2024, according to a press release dated Nov. 27. The board has unanimously selected Justin Jude, the company’s current senior vice president and president of its Wholesale — North America segment, to succeed Zarcone as LKQ’s next pre...

Ziebart, a US-based provider of detailing, films and structural-protection services, announced the promotion of three members of its senior leadership team, according to a press release dated Nov. 20. The moves include the creation of a new C-level role, chief growth officer, and the first female to hold a C-suite title in the company's nearly 65-year history. Brian Jackman has been promoted to senior vice president and COO, as well as president of Ziebart Corp. He will oversee US franch...

Advance Auto Parts, an automotive aftermarket parts distributor in North America, announced that it has appointed Ryan Grimsland as its new executive vice president and CFO, effective Nov. 27, 2023, according to a press release dated Nov. 15. Grimsland brings over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, treasury, financial planning, and retail strategy and transformation. He previously served as senior vice president, strategy and transformation at Lowe's Companies Inc. In addition, the ...

US-based automotive components original equipment manufacturer, and aftermarket ride control and emission-products manufacturer, Tenneco, announced that it has appointed Manavendra Sial as its new CFO, effective Jan. 1, 2024, according to a press release dated Nov. 17. Sial succeeds Jeff Stafeil, who left the company to pursue other opportunities. Sial joins Tenneco from Fluence, where he served as CFO and played a key role in the company's growth and success. Prior to his time at Fluenc...

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. announced that Richard Kramer has informed the board of his plans to retire as chairman, CEO and president of the company in 2024, according to a press release dated Nov. 15. The Goodyear board has retained a leading executive search firm to execute a search considering both internal and external candidates. During his tenure as CEO, Kramer led Goodyear’s evolution into a technology-driven mobility company and fortified the company’s position as a l...

Lumileds, a global player in lighting and light-source innovation, announced that it has appointed Tom Constantino as its new CFO, according to a press release dated Nov. 14. Constantino’s experience includes work with both public and private companies, including HP, Hitachi, Western Digital and A10 Networks, as well as several early-stage technology companies. Significance: CEO Steve Barlow welcomed Constantino to the team, highlighting his breadth of experience and its potential to dri...

Meko (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, announced that it has appointed Christer Johansson as its new CFO, according to a press release dated Nov. 15. Johansson brings extensive experience in finance and controlling, having served as vice president of Business Control at battery manufacturer Northvolt and previously as CFO at Hoist Finance, listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. He also has a background in venture development and consulting at McKin...

Xpel Inc., a US-based provider of aftermarket automotive products, including automotive surface and paint protection, ceramic coatings, headlight protection and automotive window films, has announced the appointment of two new executive hires: Tony Rimas as vice president of Revenue and Kim Steiner as vice president of People Services, according to a press release dated Oct. 26. Significance: Rimas will lead Xpel's global sales team, partnerships and commercial strategy, bringing deep ex...

RumbleOn, which calls itself the largest powersports retailer in North America, has appointed Michael Kennedy as its CEO effective November 1, according to a press release dated October 20. In connection with his appointment as CEO, Kennedy will also join the RumbleOn board of directors as of that date. Kennedy succeeds Mark Tkach, who has served as interim CEO since June. According to the company, Kennedy is an accomplished Powersports industry veteran who brings over three de...

German supplier of automotive components, tires and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, has announced that Enno Straten will become head of Continental’s Automotive Aftermarket business segment at Continental, effective November 1, according to a press release dated October 19. The company’s Automotive Aftermarket segment includes replacement and wear parts for the passenger car aftermarket, such as brakes, electronic components, service equipment or batteries. Straten succee...

Bernard Schäferbarthold will become the new CEO of Hella GmbH & Co., effective Jan. 1, 2024. This decision was made by the shareholder committee of Hella at its meeting on September 29. Schäferbarthold will succeed Michel Favre, who has mutually agreed with the shareholder committee on an early termination of his mandate. Schäferbarthold, who has been a member of the management board responsible for Hella's Finance and Controlling corporate function since November 2016, has signed a long-...

Japan-based Denso Corp. has announced the appointment of Pierluca Nave as the new head of the Denso Aftermarket France business unit, and Sonkalou Konaté as the business unit’s new product marketing manager, according to a press release dated October 9. Nave brings with him 25 years of valuable experience in the automotive industry. Speaking on his appointment, Nave said, “Our mission is to further develop the DENSO brand in the French market, with the strong ambition to strengthen ...

Meko (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, announced that it has appointed Anders Oxelström as the new director of communications, according to a press release dated October 5. With a solid background as a leader in some of Sweden's largest media organizations and years of advising major Swedish publicly traded companies, Oxelström will play an important role in enhancing Meko's communication, according to the announcement, which added that Oxe...

Highline Warren, a US-based supplier of consumable and maintenance products for the automotive aftermarket, has announced that Curt Knapp, COO of Lubricants, will retire at the end of 2023, according to a press release dated October 5. Knapp has served in leadership roles at Highline Warren and its predecessor companies for more than 12 years and is a known leader in the lubricants industry across the US, the release added. Knapp began his career at Texaco Chemical Additives in 1980. Since th...

Eberspaecher, a German automotive supplier of thermal-management systems and automotive control components for the original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket, has announced that the Purem by Eberspaecher brand with its exhaust technology solutions is undergoing a senior management change, according to a press release dated October 4. As per the announcement, the company’s co-CEO Marcus Knödler will take over the management of the brand, which is the largest division within t...

The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), India’s apex auto component industry body, announced the appointment of Shradha Suri Marwah, chairperson and managing director of Subros Ltd. as president of ACMA, and Vikrampati Singhania, managing director of J.K. Fenner (India) Ltd. as vice president of ACMA, from 2023–25, according to a press release dated September 14. Significance: Announcing the appointments, Vinnie Mehta, director general ...

US-based automotive aftermarket supplier and remanufacturer BBB Industries announced that it has appointed Gonzalo Cajade as its executive vice president and chief people officer (CPO), effective immediately, according to a press release dated September 18. Cajade, who will be based in the company’s corporate center outside of Mobile, Ala., replaces Matt Brynildson who will remain in an advisory role through the transition. Cajade is an experienced industrial sector human resources leader w...

US-based paints, coatings and specialty-materials manufacturer PPG announced that its board of directors has elected PPG President and CEO Tim Knavis as chair of the company’s board of directors and CEO, effective October 1, according to a press release dated September 26. Knavish succeeds Michael McGarry, who served as chairman and CEO from 2016 to 2022, and is retiring as executive chairman, also effective October 1. Knavish joined PPG in 1987 at PPG’s global headquarters in Pittsburgh,...