Michigan-based global supplier of powertrain technologies, BorgWarner, has announced that Rohan Weerasinghe is expected to serve as non-executive chairman of Phinia, the spin-off company of its Fuel Systems and Aftermarket segments, according to a press release dated June 7. Weerasinghe retired from Citigroup Inc. in December 2021, where he served as general counsel from 2012. Prior to this, he served as the senior partner for the law firm of Shearman & Sterling, the release add...

Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG has announced the appointment of Andrew Cornelia as president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz HPC North America, its subsidiary responsible for the development and operation of the company’s high-power charging network in North America, according to a press release dated May 31. The company also announced the appointment of Christopher Trainor as CFO of Mercedes-Benz HPC North America, with both appointments effective June 2023. In their new roles, Cornelia and Trainor...

Volvo Car Canada Ltd has announced the appointment of Andrew Parravano as Director of Sales effective June 2023, according to a press release dated June 1. Volvo Car Canada provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology, and training support to the 38 Volvo automobile retailers across Canada. Prior to taking up the role, Parravano served as Director of Customer Service for the Volvo brand in Canada – a position he has held since 2020. He will now take the lead on all sales related in...

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), the official voice of the motor industry in Ireland, announced that it has elected Paddy Magee as its president, according to a press release dated May 29. Magee is the Country Operations director of Renault Ireland, based at their headquarters in Dublin. He is responsible for the Renault and Dacia brands in Ireland, and a network of 33 dealerships around the country. He has worked in the motor industry for 25 years, of which 20 years have ...

RIGID Industries, a US-based firm supplying high-performance LED lighting for off-road racing professionals and enthusiasts, has announced that automotive aftermarket executive Mitch Williams has joined the company as its new president, according to a press release dated May 2. According to the company, Williams joins RIGID Industries with a proven track record of driving growth and building high-performing teams over a nearly 40-year career. Most of his experience comes from holding leadersh...

Sweden-based SKF, a supplier of rolling bearings, seals, mechatronics and lubrication systems, announced the appointments of David Johansson as president, Industrial Region Europe, the Middle East and Africa; Kerstin Enochsson as president, Automotive; and Hans Landin as senior vice president, Group Commercial Excellence Bearings; according to a press release dated May 25. Commenting on the move, Rickard Gustafson, president and CEO, said, “To reach our potential, we need to ...

US-based automotive parts distributor Genuine Parts Co. has announced that Kevin Herron, president, US Automotive Group (USAG), will retire at the end of 2023 after a 34-year career with the company, according to a press release dated May 23. The company said Randy Breaux has been elevated from his post as president, Motion, to the newly created role of group president, GPC North America, effective July 2023. In the new role, Breaux will oversee both the automotive and industri...

MAHLE Aftermarket UK announced that it has promoted Marta Cameron to customer service manager — a role that will see her lead and support the department, as the company continues its commitment to nurturing staff and promoting from within, according to a press release by UK aftermarket industry body Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) dated May 19. In the new role, Cameron will manage and support the whole UK customer service team, provide assistance to key custom...

Holley Inc. (Holley), a US-based manufacturer of high-performance aftermarket products for car and truck enthusiasts, announced the appointment of Matthew Stevenson as the company’s new president and CEO, according to a press release dated May 17. He will replace Interim President and CEO Michelle Gloeckler, who will be remaining with Holley as a member of the board, on June 6, 2023. Stevenson joins Holley from Blue Bird Corp., where he served as president and CEO. While at Blue Bird, ...

Meko (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, announced the that Åsa Källenius is leaving her position as Meko's CFO at her own request to take on a new assignment outside the group, according to a press release dated May 19. The company added that the process of recruiting a new CFO will begin immediately and Källenius will remain in her role until a successor is appointed. Significance: "Åsa Källenius has been [CFO]&nbs...

PartsTech, a US-based business-to-business parts marketplace for the auto repair industry, announced that it has closed a Series C capital raise of $35 million, according to a press release dated May 18. The fundraising round was led by OpenView, a venture capital firm. Tim Keebler, partner at OpenView, stated, "Vehicles are staying on the road longer than ever before and shops are increasingly embracing digital solutions to improve the way they work. PartsTech drastically improves the w...

US-based REV Group, a designer and manufacturer of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, has announced the appointment of Mark Skonieczny as president and CEO, effective immediately, according to a press release dated May 18. Skonieczny had previously served as interim CEO and CFO. The company has initiated a comprehensive search for a new CFO. Prior to joining REV Group, Skonieczny held positions as vice president and corporate controller of Adient PLC and spent 1...

German supplier of automotive components, tires and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, has announced that Jorge Almeida will take over as head of Sustainability at Continental Tires with effect from May 1, 2023, according to a press release dated May 11. He will be responsible for the strategic positioning and global management of the company’s sustainability activities. In his new role, he reports directly to Christian Kötz, head of the Tires Group Sector and member of the e...

Philipp Grosse Kleimann will be the new head of the Aftermarket business unit and a member of the MAHLE management committee from August 1, 2023, as stated in a company press release dated May 4. In this function, he will report directly to the CEO. “Philipp Grosse Kleimann has many years of management experience in the automotive and mobility sector, profound knowledge of service and workshop business and an entrepreneurially oriented mindset,” said Arnd Franz, chairman of the MAHLE...

TBC Corporation, a distributor of automotive replacement tires based in US, has announced the appointment of Sam Kato as the company’s new president and CEO, according to a press release dated May 1. Kato, who served as TBC’s chief administrative officer for the last two years, replaces Laurent Bourrut who is retiring after completing his assignment. Bourrut will remain an executive advisor to Kato and TBC. According to the company, Kato is a veteran of global automotive businesses for mo...

US-based paints, coatings and specialty materials manufacturer PPG has announced that Christine Camsuzou, currently interim chief procurement officer (CPO), has been appointed vice president, procurement and CPO, effective immediately, according to a press release dated May 2. Reporting to Ram Vadlamannati, senior vice president of Operations, Camsuzou will be responsible for leading PPG’s global procurement team, processes and strategy, the release added. Camsuzou began her caree...

Global automotive supplier of electric mobility and powertrain components Vitesco Technologies Group AG announced that its supervisory board has appointed Sabine Nitzsche as its new CFO with effect from Nov. 1, 2023, according to a press release dated April 26. Nitzsche succeeds Werner Volz, who will retire from the company. Both will share the month of October to ensure a smooth transfer, the release added. Nitzsche started her professional career at Infineon in 1994. She pass...

Elgin Industries, a US-based manufacturer of engine and chassis components, announced that it has elevated Chris Anderson to the role of executive vice president, according to a press release dated April 17. In this role, Anderson assumes additional operating responsibility for the company’s domestic and overseas businesses. Elgin serves original equipment (OE) and aftermarket customers in nearly 60 nations from its engineering, manufacturing and distribution complex in Elgin, Ill. Signi...

Idemitsu Lubricants America (ILA), a supplier of Japanese original equipment manufacturer (OEM) lubricants in North America, has announced the promotion of Michael (Mike) Park from senior director to vice president of its “AMO/OES Divisions & Distributor Accounts”, according to a press release dated April 5. After joining the Idemitsu team in 2011, Park became the architect of the organization's national bulk oil program. He spearheaded the company's nationwide distribution capabiliti...

Premium Guard Inc. (PGI), a US-based provider of aftermarket automotive filtration solutions, has announced the appointment of Jonathan Williams as its North America CFO, according to a press release dated April 10. Williams joined PGI's leadership team after more than 20 years of experience with global and growth-oriented companies in financial leadership roles. He had a recent role with Bridgestone Americas as CFO for the Commercial Tire division. Prior to that, Williams was part of Ni...

Fuchs Petrolub, a German multinational manufacturer of lubricants and related specialty products, announced that its supervisory board has decided to confirm Executive Board Members Timo Reister and Ralph Rheinboldt in office for a further five years until December 2028, according to a press release dated March 7. With this contract extension, FUCHS secures the experience and expertise of two long-standing members of the executive board, the release added. "With the newly formed executiv...

Continental announced that Rosa Meckseper has taken over as the head of Smart Mobility Business Area of Continental North America, according to a press release dated April 4. She succeeds Jim Bayley, who retired on March 31, 2023, after serving more than 32 years in the automotive industry. The Smart Mobility business area focuses on business involving mobility services, fleet operators, and commercial vehicle manufacturers. Meckseper will be responsible for the strategic development and...

Torqata Data & Analytics, a US-based data analytics software company that works with tire manufacturers, distributors and retailers, announced that it has appointed Kirsten Zaremba, Ashley Hoyt and Kate Beirowski to the team, bringing additional experienced women into the automotive industry, according to a press release dated March 31. Torqata also elevated Elizabeth Schneider to vice president of Product. Zaremba has been appointed as the new director of Marketing and she brings ov...

Japan-based DENSO Corporation announced that it has appointed Shinnosuke Hayashi, who currently serves as senior executive officer and chief software officer, as the new president and COO, according to a press release dated April 10. The company also announced that incumbent President and CEO Koji Arima will become chairman and remain as CEO. “SEO Hayashi has been consistently involved in electronics and software development since joining DENSO in 1986. Currently, as the head of the Mo...

US-based retailer of aftermarket automotive parts and accessories AutoZone announced that Jenna Bedsole will join the company as senior vice president, general counsel and secretary, Customer Satisfaction, according to a press release dated March 30. Jenna will come to AutoZone from Baker Donelson where she served as managing shareholder of the law firm’s Birmingham office. With over 25 years of legal experience, she has successfully represented large employers and public companies in a bro...

MEKO (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, announced the appointment of Petra Bendelin as its new COO with Tobias Narvinger leaving his position for a new, senior management position in another industry, according to a press release dated April 3. Bendelin is currently MEKO's director of Business Development and Strategy and has worked in the company since 2010 in several senior roles. She takes up the position in July. The role of...

Motor Supply Co., an e-commerce marketplace company for independent auto shops, has announced the addition of Tom Petersen as its new chief marketing officer via a press release dated March 28 by PRNewswire.  Peterson will lead the company's marketing strategy and initiatives to increase revenue and build brand presence within the automotive aftermarket industry. Mr. Petersen brings over 20 years of experience in strategy and innovation from his eCommerce and retail career...

North America’s The Shyft Group, a company involved in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly and upfit for the commercial, retail and service specialty-vehicle industry, announced that Pamela Kermisch, chief customer growth officer at Polaris, has been appointed to the company’s board of directors, effective March 20, according to a press release dated March 21. Since January 2018, Kermisch has served as the chief customer growth officer at Polaris Inc., the global powersports co...

MEKO (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, announced that it has appointed Helena Sauramo as the new managing director for its recently acquired Finnish subsidiary Koivunen with effect from May 15, according to a press release dated March 10. Sauramo comes from the Finnish car retailer Delta Motor Group and in her new role, she will focus on further strengthening growth and profitability in Finland, the release added. MEKO acquired Koiv...

US-based automotive components OEM, and aftermarket ride control and emission-products manufacturer, Tenneco, announced that Davide Girelli has joined the company as executive vice president and president of the Powertrain business group, replacing Rainer Jueckstock who is retiring at the end of March, according to a press release dated March 3.   Girelli joins Tenneco after spending the past 12 years with BorgWarner, and will be based in Italy, reporting directly to CEO Jim Vo...

Advance Auto Parts, an automotive aftermarket parts distributor in North America, announced that Tom Greco has informed the company of his plan to retire as president and CEO of the company at the end of 2023, according to a press release dated 28 February. Following Greco’s retirement, he plans to serve in an advisory capacity through a transition period. In connection with Greco’s planned retirement and the company’s succession planning process, the Advance Auto Parts' board has forme...

Japanese carmaker Nissan Motor Co. has today announced senior management appointments and said that the move follows its efforts to strengthen its leadership team to support the accelerated progress of the long-term vision, Nissan Ambition 2030, according to a press release dated 8 March. As part of several senior management changes that will be effective in April 2023, Keiichi Sato, currently vice president of Global Aftersales Service Parts division, was appointed as corporate vice pre...

Stoneridge, a US-based manufacturer of electrical and electronic components, modules, and systems for the automotive, commercial vehicle, and off-highway industries, announced that Sheila Rutt has been elected to its board of directors, according to a press release dated 8 March. Under its automotive division, Stoneridge designs and manufacturers devices that control, actuate, and connect key vehicle systems, including emissions, powertrain, driveline, exhaust, seating, lighting, securit...

US-based independent manufacturer and distributor of automotive replacement parts, Standard Motor Products (SMP), has announced its new operating segment, "Engineered Solutions," along with the intent to rename its Engine Management segment to "Vehicle Control", according to a press release dated 22 February. These segment changes, beginning in 2023, will better align the company's operating categories with its strategic focus, the release added. The new Engineered Solutions segment will focu...

Cirba Solutions, a cross-chemistry battery management and materials processor for end-of-life (EOL) batteries, announced that it had appointed Troy Thennis as its senior vice president of Growth projects and technology, according to a press release dated 21 February.  Thennis has over 30 years of expertise in the chemical industry with a focus on lithium processing, and will lead the organization’s build-out of its expanding processing footprint including technology developme...

India-based tire manufacturer, Apollo Tyres Ltd., has named Brad Persons as the company’s new national sales head for commercial tires. In this role, Persons will oversee the company’s sales initiatives within the US and Canada for commercial tires, according to a press release dated 1 March. Prior to joining Apollo, Persons was the director of OEM Sales, GNB Industrial Power Division for Stryten Energy. He began working in the tire industry in 2003 as a commercial tire and serv...

The UK aftermarket industry body Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has announced that it has appointed Craig McCracken, group factor manager at Arnold Clark Autoparts, as its new president, according to a press release dated 17 February. Craig succeeds immediate past president Richard Welland and will remain on the IAAF board, alongside Welland, honorary treasurer Lawrence Bleasdale and chief executive Mark Field. Craig has over 40 years of experience in the automotive indu...

Relais Group Plc, a spare part distributor and provider of repair and maintenance in the Nordic vehicle aftermarket, has announced the appointment of Thomas Ekström as the chief financial officer of the company, according to a press release dated 15 February. Ekström joins Relais from Atoy Oy, where he worked as group CFO. Prior to that, Ekström has been CFO in several companies, such as Rettig Group Ltd, Algol Oy and Marimekko Oyj. The company says he has a broad experience from financial...

Two months after announcing its intention to execute a spin-off of its fuel systems and aftermarket segments into a separate, publicly traded company, Michigan-based global supplier of powertrain technologies, BorgWarner, announced on 14 February that Brady Ericson would serve as the new company’s president and CEO. BorgWarner also announced that the separate company would be called PHINIA Inc, and that Chris Gropp would serve as its EVP and CFO. “Brady and Chris are well-rounded and resp...

US-based automotive undercar repair and tire services player, Monro, has announced the appointment of Hope Woodhouse to the Board, according to a press release dated 9 February. Woodhouse will serve on the Compensation Committee and the Audit Committee, the release added. The company said the addition of Woodhouse is part of the Board’s ongoing refreshment process. The Board remains committed to its previously announced initiative to identify additional candidates who bring complementary sk...

US-based REV Group, a designer and manufacturer of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, has announced that Mark Skonieczny, CFO has been appointed interim chief executive officer, effective 27 January, 2023, according to a press release dated 30 January. The announcement added that Rod Rushing has stepped down as president, CEO, and as a member of the Board of Directors. Skonieczny will join the REV Group Board effective immediately and ...

US-based auto collision repair provider Caliber Collision has announced the promotion of Todd Dillender from executive vice president, operations to chief operating officer of Caliber Collision, according to a press release dated 2 February. In this role, Dillender will be instrumental in driving market growth, the release added. Caliber says it witnessed significant growth during 2022, expanding its national footprint to more than 1,600 locations nationwide as well as continuing to deli...

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) has appointed Stuart “Stu” Klein to the newly created position of senior director, collision, according to a press release dated 3 February. Klein will join the association’s senior leadership team, which helps guide AIA Canada’s support and advocacy for the Canadian auto care sector. He will play a vital role in helping to direct AIA Canada’s efforts involving the collision sector of the industry, the release added. AI...

Holley Inc., a US-based manufacturer of high-performance aftermarket products for car and truck enthusiasts, announced that Tom Tomlinson will retire as president and CEO and resign from the Board, according to a press release dated 6 February. The Board has appointed current director, Michelle Gloeckler, as interim president and CEO while it conducts a comprehensive search process to identify a permanent CEO, the release added. Gloeckler has been a member of the Board since July 2021 an...

Nexus Automotive International, a Geneva-based alliance of independent car parts distributors, has announced that Freek Blekxtoon, CEO of NEXUS Automotive Netherlands is joining NEXUS Automotive International as NEXUS Workshops Network Development Expert in the Garage Service & Concept department, according to a press release dated 7 February. He has been and associated with the AllPart wholesale network for 20 years. Blekxtoon will take up his appointment from April 2023. In th...

Stoneridge, Inc. has announced the appointment of Jim Zizelman as president and CEO and member of the Stoneridge Board of Directors, effective immediately, a press release dated 31 January read. The company is a US-based designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic systems, components, and modules for the automotive, commercial, off-highway, and agricultural vehicle markets Prior to joining Stoneridge, Mr. Zizelman was the VP of Engineering and Program Managem...

US tire manufacturer, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, announced in a press release dated 27 January that it is implementing cost savings actions in response to a challenging industry environment and cost pressure driven by inflation. It said planned rationalization and workforce reorganization would result in an approximately 5% reduction in salaried staff globally, or about 500 positions. The company said its global replacement tire industry demand remained weak in the fourth quarter...

German lighting major OSRAM has announced that Alexander Everke will step down as CEO after seven successful years at the helm of the company and he will be succeeded by Aldo Kamper, who also takes over as chairman of the management board, according to a press release dated 30 January. Kamper has been CEO of Leoni AG, a global player in energy and data management solutions for the automotive industry, since 2018. Prior to that, Kamper spent over 15 years in different management positions with...

Wilmar, a US-based supplier, distributor, and category manager of tools and equipment to the automotive aftermarket and other industries, announced that it has appointed Ken Hartman as CEO, according to a press release dated 19 January. The company said that Hartman brings over two decades of leadership experience in the tool and equipment industry and a track record of business expansion through the development and execution of innovative growth strategies. Prior to joining Wilmar, Hartman s...

German oil and additive specialist, LIQUI MOLY, announced the appointment of Vincent Prinzing as the managing director of LIQUI MOLY Australia, according to a press release dated 16 December 2022. Prinzing has been with LIQUI MOLY for 10 years and was most recently responsible for business in Australia, New Zealand, and many Asian countries, the release added. The 37-year-old will soon move from Germany to Sydney for this position. "I'm very much looking forward to the challenge of advancing ...

Driven Brand Holdings, a US-based automotive service company, has announced the appointment of Danny Rivera to the newly created role of chief operating officer effective 20 February 2023, a press release dated 26 January read.  The company also appointed Mo Khalid, who will succeed Rivera in the role of Executive Vice President and Group President, Maintenance, leading both Take 5 Quick Lube and Meineke brands.  Rivera has more than 20 years of experience in the c...

German oil and additive specialist, LIQUI MOLY, announced that Debbie Barnes has being elevated to the position of managing director of its UK subsidiary, according to a press release dated 19 January. The position involves the responsibility for national operations, the release added. Barnes has been part of the LIQUI MOLY team for seven years and was most recently regional sales manager and national key account manager at LIQUI MOLY UK. In her new position as MD, she is now responsible for ...

Lookers, a United Kingdom–based automotive retail and aftersales service company, announced that its chairman, Ian Bull, has notified the Board that he would step down for personal reasons with effect from December 31, 2022, according to a press release dated December 19. The company said that its senior independent director, Paul Van der Burgh, would assume the role of interim non-executive chairman on January 1, 2023. It further added that Sue Farr, non-executive director would assum...

South Korean tire manufacturer Hankook Tire & Technology Co has announced executive promotions at its North American subsidiary, naming Rob Williams as President of Hankook Tire America Corp, according to a press release dated 9 January. Additionally, Jong Jin (JJ) Park has been promoted to Vice President of USA PC/LT Sales, Intae (Ted) Choi has been promoted to VP of North American Marketing Strategy, and Byoungjoe (Joe) Park has been named Vice President of Corporate Management, the rel...

Automotive supplier Continental has announced the retirement of Howard Laster, who heads Continental’s automotive aftermarket business in North America, according to a press release dated 15 December. James Bayley, head of the associated business area Smart Mobility in North America, will be taking over the role temporarily until a successor is announced, the release added. Laster, a 45-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket, has been with Continental for over 27 years, serving in a var...

German supplier of automotive components, tires, and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, has announced the appointment of Ralf Hoffmann as the head of public relations, media, and communications in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region for Continental's replacement tire business, according to a press release dated 11 January.  The company says Hoffmann has held various positions in Continental's tire division for 34 years, most recently as the head of marketing for th...

German automotive supplier ZF Friedrichshafen has announced that the company has started the year with a newly formed board of management team with Holger Klein as CEO of the company starting January, according to a press release dated 12 January. Klein, who joined ZF in 2014, is responsible for the aftermarket division, corporate sales, research and development, and autonomous mobility. Michael Frick, CFO, and Peter Laier, who is in charge of the Commercial Vehicle and Industrial Technology ...

Lubrizol Corp., the Berkshire Hathaway-owned specialty chemicals company based in the US, has announced the appointment of a new executive leadership team, according to a press release dated 12 January. The company says that consists experienced business leaders will continue to support the organization’s talent and its customers, the release added. “For more than 90 years, Lubrizol science has solved complex challenges and advanced new opportunities across a variety of industries. We’r...

CRC Industries, a US-based manufacturer of specialty products and formulations for maintenance and repair professionals and do-it-yourselfers, has appointed Len Mazzanti as CEO, according to a press release dated 4 January. Mazzanti succeeds Perry Cozzone, who served as CEO of the company since 2018 and retired at the end of December 2022. Mazzanti will be focused on driving operational excellence and infrastructure capabilities to support CRC’s growth around core product lines, including t...

MEMA, an association in North America representing motor vehicle component manufacturers, has presented its new brand and business structure according to which the trade association will now operate under one umbrella organization with two groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers, it announced in a press release dated 12 January. Over the decades, as the industry evolved, MEMA established four divisions: the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Associations (AASA),...

CarParts.com, a US-based e-commerce provider of automotive parts and accessories, announced the promotion of Stephanie Urbach, current SVP of HR, to CHRO or chief human resources officer position, effective 9 January 2023. In her new role, Urbach will further CarParts.com's organizational transformation, with a focus on enhancing the overall employee experience, the release added. From a talent and recruitment perspective, she will be charged with building teams, developing essential skills a...

O’Reilly Automotive, US-based automotive aftermarket parts retailer has announced that effective 9 January, Brad Beckham, the company’s EVP and COO, and Brent Kirby, the company’s EVP and chief supply chain officer, will both be promoted to copresidents, according to a press release dated 6 January. Beckham and Kirby will continue to report to Greg Johnson, who currently serves as the company’s president and CEO and will remain in his role as CEO but pass on the title and role of pres...

Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC) has announced three organizational changes within the company, according to a release dated 6 January. The changes, effective 6 January, include elevation of Fardad Niknam from senior director of consumer product planning and product marketing to vice president of OE Sales. Niknam joined YTC in 2014 and has had responsibility for product marketing, including product planning and motorsports for the last five years. Commenting on his appointment, Jeff Barna, YTC...

Ireland-based auto parts supplier Aptiv announced the appointment of Benjamin Lyon as SVP and CTO, according to a press release dated 15 December.  Lyon succeeds Glen De Vos, who is transitioning to the role of SVP, transformation and special programs, the release added. Lyon joins Aptiv, having served in a variety of senior engineering roles where he led the development and commercialization of numerous disruptive technologies. He has spent two decades at Apple and most recently, he was...

Electric vehicle (EV) battery technology firm, Enevate, announced that Robert A. Rango will retire after 6.5 years from his role as CEO and president via a press release dated 7 December. The company announced that Robert (Bob) A. Kruse Jr., formerly SVP of product execution, Faraday Future Intelligent Electrics, has been named Enevate's new CEO and president and appointed to the board of directors. At Faraday, which he joined in 2019, Bob Kruse was responsible for product...

PARTS iD, a US-based e-commerce company for automotive parts, accessories, and the aftermarket announced the appointment of James Doss as its chief financial officer (CFO) effective January 1, 2023, via a press release dated 6 December.  Most recently, Doss served as CFO at Indyme Solutions, LLC, a leading software and tech services provider of customer engagement and active loss prevention systems, where he oversaw financial reporting, budgeting, general accounting, credit and collatera...

Asbury Automotive Group, a US-based automotive retail and service company has announced the appointment of Nathan Briesemeister as its VP, chief accounting officer, and controller, via a press release dated 7 November.  Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States. Asbury currently operates 148 dealerships, consisting of 198 franchises, representing 31 domestic and foreign brands of vehicles. Asbury also operates 7 stan...

American automotive new car retailer, Lithia & Driveway (LAD), has added to its executive team, appointing Adam Chamberlain as regional president of operations, the company announced via a press release dated 22 November.   Chamberlain will be responsible for executing the company's consumer optionality strategy, supporting LAD's network development, and directly overseeing the operations teams in the East. The Atlanta-based automotive executive joins LAD from Aston Ma...

US-based automotive replacement parts manufacturer, CRP Automotive, has announced the appointment of Christian Eichstaedt as director of innovation for its automotive business, via a press release dated 7 December. "Eichstaedt will be responsible for continuing to build CRP Automotive’s reputation as one of the most innovative suppliers in the automotive aftermarket by developing strong relationships with professional repair technicians and our channel distribution partners," the company sa...

Holley Inc., a US-based manufacturer of high-performance aftermarket products for car and truck enthusiasts, announced the appointment of Jesse Weaver as the company’s chief financial officer, according to a press release dated 12 December. Weaver will succeed Stephen Trussell, who has served as the company’s Interim chief financial officer since 30 September 2022. Trussell will continue as the company’s vice president of finance, a role he has held since 2009. Significance: “...

US-based independent manufacturer and distributor of automotive replacement parts, Standard Motor Products, has announced changes in the composition of its Board of Directors, according to a press release dated 21 December. Effective at the end of their current terms, in May of 2023, Lawrence Sills, chairman of the board, and William Turner, presiding independent director, will each assume the role of director emeritus, the release added. Concurrently, Eric Sills, CEO and president, will succ...

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced the appointment of Christina Zamarro to the role of EVP and CFO, reporting to chairman, CEO and President Richard Kramer, according to a press release dated 14 December. In this role, Zamarro will lead Goodyear's Global Finance organization and oversee all aspects of the company's corporate finances, including treasury, investor relations, accounting, audit and financial planning & analysis, as well as its business unit finance teams in...

Illinois, US-based private tire company Atturo Tire has announced the appointment of Jeremy Wurst as its new Northeast Sales Director, according to a press release dated 15 December. Wurst will service, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. The company is confident that customers in this region will receive excellent service thanks to the proximity of Atturo’s warehouse in Latrobe city in Pennsylv...

Advance Auto Parts, an automotive aftermarket parts distributor in North America, has announced that Reuben Slone, executive vice president, supply chain, will retire from the company and be succeeded by Stephen Szilagyi, according to a press release dated 14 December. Szilagyi comes to Advance from MSC Industrial Supply, Inc., where he served as senior vice president, customer solutions from 2018 to 2021 and senior vice president, Supply Chain from 2017 to 2018. Prior to that, Szilagyi spent...

US-based automotive parts distributor Genuine Parts Company has announced the appointment of William Stengel to the position of president and chief operating officer and Christopher Galla to the position of senior vice president and general counsel, effective January 2023, according to a press release dated 7 December. Stengel joined the company in 2019 as EVP and chief transformation officer with nearly two decades of significant leadership and professional experience. In 2021, he was promot...

French automotive supplier Valeo announced that the company’s Board of Directors have appointed Gilles Michel as Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective January 2023, according to a press release dated 8 December. According to the company, Jacques Aschenbroich will leave the Chairmanship and the Board of Directors of Valeo on 31 December 2022. Michel has been an independent director of Valeo since May 2018, Chairman of the Compensation Committee and of the Governance, Appointments and...

Lucas Oil Products, a US-based distributor of automotive additives and lubricants, has announced the appointment of Katie Lucas, the company's VP of Strategy and Philanthropy, to the position of chief administrative officer, according to a press release dated 30 November. In this role, Lucas will be responsible for blending day-to-day operations with long-term strategic goals, providing oversight of company policies, procedures, campaigns and growth initiatives, the release added. As VP of St...

US manufacturer of liquid and powder coatings Axalta Coating Systems has announced the appointment of Chris Villavarayan as CEO and president and a member of the company’s Board of Directors, effective January 2023, according to a press release dated 16 November. At the same time, Rakesh Sachdev, who has served as interim CEO and president, will succeed Bill Cook as non-executive Board Chair, the release added. Axalta said Villavarayan is a proven global executive with more than two decades...

Illinois, US-based private tire company Atturo Tire has announced the appointment of Bill Hume as the new Sales Director for Canada, according to a press release dated 6 December. Hume joins Atturo Tire’s growing international sales team with current members focused on Europe, the Middle East, Central and South America, and Asia, the release added. According to the company, Hume is an industry veteran with experience on both the manufacturer and wholesaler side of the business and expanding...

Mevotech, a Canada-based engineering, designer, and manufacturer of driveline, steering, and suspension aftermarket parts, has announced the appointment of Martin Boissonneault as its territory sales manager, Southern Quebec, Canada, according to a press release dated 22 November. The company said Boissonneault brings 26 years of knowledge and experience in the automotive aftermarket industry and will serve as a key member of Mevotech’s business development team. Significance: “We are ...

Michigan-based global supplier of powertrain technologies, BorgWarner, has announced its intention to execute a tax-free spin-off of its fuel systems and aftermarket segments into a separate, publicly traded company or “NewCo”, according to a press release dated 6 December. “The intended separation supports optimizing our combustion portfolio and advancing our electrification journey while NewCo would be able to pursue growth opportunities in alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, and in ...

CarParts.com, a US-based e-commerce provider of automotive parts and accessories, announced the hiring of Michael Huffaker as Chief Operating Officer effective 5 December, according to a press release issued on the same date. The company said Huffaker brings with him “unparalleled e-commerce and brick-and-mortar expertise” having most recently served as Vice President, Category Leader, for Amazon Fresh Grocery. He possesses a history of step-change performance improvement in the busi...

FIGIEFA, the international federation of independent automotive aftermarket distributors announced that appointed José Diez as Policy Director, according to a press release dated 4 November.   Prior to joining FIGIEFA, José held the position of Head of Public Affairs and Communications at the European Union Road Federation (ERF), an organization for which he worked for almost 13 years representing the interests of the road infrastructure sector and leading its involvement in several EU...

US-based independent auto service and tire dealer, Monro, has announced the promotion of Cindy Donovan to SVP- Chief Information Officer, according to a press release dated 30 November. Donovan is responsible for developing and implementing Monro's information technology strategy and long-range implementation plan to further the company's strategic goals, the release added. Donovan joined Monro in 2019 as the Director of Project Management and Data Architecture before receiving two promo...

German oil and additive specialist, LIQUI MOLY, announced that its long-standing administrative director based in Ulm, Germany, Uli Weller, will become the second managing director of the group of companies at the start of 2023, according to a press release dated 28 November. The company believes this is a logical step and a guarantee for lasting stability and security. With this step, Weller will be promoted to an additional managing director of the LIQUI MOLY Group, which also includes the ...

BORG Automotive, a Denmark-based automotive parts remanufacturer, has announced the appointment of a new Sales Director Rune Avnsted from 1 October, according to a press release dated 18 November. The 46-year-old oversees the BORG Automotive Reman sales and customer service and together with his team, he will be responsible for continuing the strong customer orientation and contributing to the further implementation of BORG Automotive’s growth strategy, the release added. Avnsted is said to...

US-based designer, manufacturer and distributor of towing, trailering, cargo management, and other related accessory products, Horizon Global, has announced the appointment of John C. Kennedy as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, via a press release dated 21 November.  This appointment follows the Board’s acceptance of Terrence G. Gohl’s resignation from his executive positions and as a director. Significance: "We remain focused on our strategic alternatives process, w...

Continental Automotive announced the appointment of Aruna Anand as President and Chief Executive Officer of Continental’s Automotive group sector in North America, effective 1 December, a press release dated 21 November read. In this role, Anand is responsible for all global architecture and networking business activities that support customers based out of North America. Since joining the company in 1997, Aruna has held numerous leadership positions across the different business ...

Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a US-based trade organization for automotive aftermarket industry has appointed Zane Clark as vice president of Membership, Education, Research and Councils & Networks (MERC), a press release dated 17 November read.  Clark has 23 years of automotive aftermarket leadership experience, including more than 10 years with SEMA spanning from 2010 to 2020. He currently serves as CEO of the Society for the Advancement of Material and Proces...

PartsTrader, US-based online collision parts marketplace, announced the appointment of Amanda Smith as National Supplier Manager, a new role within the company, according to a press release by Businesswire dated 10 November.  In this new role, Amanda will manage PartsTrader’s strategic supplier partnerships and ensure they continue to receive world-class support. “I’m delighted to join such an innovative, fast-growing company. PartsTrader has earned the respect of our industry, ...

US-based car wash company, Mister Car Wash, announced the appointment of Luke Hartke as Vice President of Mergers & Acquisitions, according to a press release dated 31 October. Luke Hartke has 16 years of experience in consumer services M&A to help Mister Car Wash expand its location footprint. Prior to joining Mister Car Wash, Hartke spent much of his career at Casey’s General Store, a Fortune 400 company with 2,500 locations located primarily in the Midwest. At Casey’s, he ...

Holley Inc., a US-based manufacturer of high-performance aftermarket products for car and truck enthusiasts, announced the appointment of Brian Appelgate as interim Chief Operating Officer (COO), according to a press release dated 14 November. Brian is an industry veteran and operating leader with decades of experience leading teams in the performance automotive aftermarket.  Mr. Appelgate, who has advised Holley since 2018 as Head of Mergers and Acquisitions, will further align Hol...

In a press release dated 10 October, the Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, has announced the addition of its newest officers and governors immediately following the conclusion of AAPEX 2022 in Las Vegas. The new AWDA chair is Ashlee Arnold who is Vice President at Arnold Oil Company of Austin. Arnold succeeds Ryan Samuels who successfully led the association the previous two years and remains on the board as im...

US-based manufacturer and distributor of timing drive systems and engine components for original equipment manufacturers and the automotive aftermarket, Cloyes, has appointed Tim Murphy as Senior Vice President of sales for US and Canada, according to a press release dated 8 November. Tim Murphy is an experienced sales and marketing professional with more than 38 years of experience, Tim joined Cloyes after graduating from John Carroll University east of Cleveland, Ohio. He wor...

Alliance Automotive Group, European automotive aftermarket distributor, has appointed Kris Halliwell as its new director of European Key Accounts, according to a press release dated 9 November. Kris has been with AAG for nearly four years, during which time he has significantly developed the key accounts business in both the light vehicle and commercial vehicle segments. Kris joined the AAG team as part of the Platinum International acquisition in 2018, where he had b...

Lumileds, a global lighting solutions supplier with headquarters in the United States and the Netherlands, announced that as part of its leadership transition, Steve Barlow, President of Lumileds’ Automotive Business Unit, will be appointed Chief Executive Officer and to its Board of Directors, succeeding Matt Roney effective on 11 November, according to a press release dated 31 October. The company also said that it has successfully completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Ch...

US automotive OEM components and aftermarket ride control and emission products manufacturer Tenneco has announced the appointment of Jeff Stafeil as EVP and CFO, according to a press release dated 31 October. Stafeil replaces Matti Masanovich as Tenneco's CFO, the release added. Commenting on the announcement, Jim Voss, who will join Tenneco as the company's CEO, said, "I am also very pleased to welcome Jeff to Tenneco. The company's executive leadership team and our global finance grou...

Swedish battery management company CTEK has announced that it has appointed Gary Brown as the new Global Director Aftermarket, according to a press release dated 21 October. Brown takes over from Jon Lind, who has filled the role of Aftermarket Director since 2021 in parallel with his CEO position. Brown will take up his position, which also includes a seat on group management, from 1 November, the company said. Brown has supported Jon Lind since May 2021 as both chief operating officer of th...

NTN Bearing Corporation of America has announced multiple personnel updates within its automotive aftermarket business unit, including promotions for three team members and two new hires, a press release dated 20 October read.  Divjot Singh has been promoted from Applications Engineer to Senior Product Development Engineer. Singh has been with NTN since 2011, and has assisted the aftermarket product management team with adding product to the BCA & Bower product lines by conducting ma...

US-based paints, coatings, and specialty materials manufacturer PPG has announced that Tim Knavish, chief operating officer, has been named president and CEO, effective 1 January, 2023, according to a press release dated 19 October. Knavish, 57, who has served as PPG’s COO since March, will succeed Chairman and CEO Michael McGarry, 64, in the role of CEO. McGarry, who has served as CEO since September 2015, will become Executive Chairman. Knavish joined PPG in 1987 at PPG’s global...