MCHENRY, Ill. -- As a lifelong hotrodder and amateur racer, Josh Russell has always had an affinity for squealing tires and fire suits. He will now have an opportunity to utilize his penchant for racing and performance in his new role as director of sales and marketing for online, performance & racing for Affinia Global Brake & Chassis.
    
In his new position, Russell will be responsible for developing new business models, introducing new product lines and generating sales across the online, performance and enthusiast markets.  
    
“Since joining Affinia in 2007 Josh has been instrumental in improving our Raybestos marketing and promotional programs, motorsports initiatives, sales strategies and Web site enhancements,” said Jeff Stauffer, senior vice president marketing, Affinia Global Brake & Chassis. “We look forward to similar results as he concentrates on these critical markets that each offer great growth potential.”
    
In addition to developing Affinia’s online efforts, Russell will also oversee Affinia’s motorsports relationships, which include current partnerships with NASCAR, the Indy Racing League and several race team technical partners, such as NASCAR's Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). In 2009, JGR Sprint Cup Toyotas collected nine wins, two poles and 40 top 10 finishes on Raybestos brand braking systems. Under Russell’s direction Affinia intends to grow Raybestos sales among professional race teams, club racers and grassroots motorsports enthusiasts.
    
“I am very excited to help drive Affinia's growth online, as well in the performance and racing markets,” said Russell. "Not only are these segments I’ve worked in previously, I’m also both personally involved and passionate about them.”
    
Russell has an impressive history of developing national marketing campaigns. Before joining Affinia he served as director of marketing for Old World Industries in Northbrook, Ill., where he handled national brands such as PEAK Antifreeze and Mr. Clean. At Old World, Russell spearheaded a campaign that partnered with IndyCar driver Danica Patrick to bolster the PEAK brand.