ELGIN, Ill. -- SKF has named Jeff Guempel automotive program group sales director for the SKF Vehicle Service Market, North America, effective immediately. Guempel will report to Tom O’Brien, vice president of automotive sales, VSM North America Business Unit.

Prior to accepting his new role with SKF, Guempel held the position of SKF Western Regional Sales Manager, where he helped coordinate overall sales growth initiatives for that region. In his new role, Guempel will continue some of his previous responsibilities, as well as take on new responsibilities managing automotive program initiatives on a national level.

“Jeff’s experience and success as western regional sales manager will serve him well in his new role,” said Tom O’Brien, vice president of automotive sales, SKF. “We’re confident he will continue to bring success to our overall sales growth, while maintaining and growing the overall automotive program.”

Before joining SKF in 2003, Guempel worked with Bondo Corp., Midas International and Federal-Mogul. Guempel has a bachelor of science degree in business administration with a focus in marketing from the University of Missouri.