NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vista-Pro Automotive has appointed Jeff Degen as vice president of strategic planning and marketing. Degen previously served as vice president of marketing and strategic planning at Excel Homes LLC, where he was responsible for the development and management of communications, brands, product offerings, product design, pricing and strategic planning.

Prior to his tenure at Excel Homes, he was director of global brands for Johnson Controls and was responsible for managing consumer brand growth. His many duties included building global business processes for assessing, planning, executing and managing marketing activities to create unique spaces for extending brands to all regions, and expanding brand reach in Europe, Asia and Central America.

Degen has nearly 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, including several positions at Johnson Controls: director, N.A. marketing; manager, category management; manager, marketing communications; and sales manager. While at Johnson Controls, he was a key leader in developing OPTIMA brand batteries into the leading brand in the North American market. Under his leadership, OPTIMA brand enjoyed the highest growth rate in the industry, was the leading brand in the performance and marine segment, and was the top brand in its target segments in unaided awareness, loyalty and intent to purchase. He also developed and managed all category management activities associated with key accounts.

At Vista-Pro, Degen will be responsible for communications, brands, product, category management and strategic planning. His focus will be to build on Vista-Pro’s market-leading position in the automotive aftermarket climate control industry by developing the company’s long-term strategic plan, and developing and implementing integrated marketing programs that will positively impact Vista-Pro customers and help them grow their business.

“Jeff is an excellent addition to a solid team of professionals here at Vista-Pro,” said Steve Scharnhorst, president and CEO.

Commenting on his new position, Degen added, “Vista-Pro has an exceptional team and a very strong product offering. I’m excited to be a part of this organization and the customers/consumers we serve.”