Personnel news dominates our most popular coverage this week, beginning with news of a change in global management for Delphi’s independent aftermarket business. On Monday, Delphi announced that Dave Barbeau, vice president, global independent aftermarket, Delphi Product & Service Solutions (DPSS), will retire from Delphi on Dec. 1. In conjunction, Lucia Veiga Moretti, currently vice president, independent aftermarket, Europe, Middle East and Africa, DPSS, is appointed vice president, global independent aftermarket, DPSS, effective Sept. 1. Barbeau will continue to be responsible for the IAM business in North America until Dec. 1.

Barbeau brought 30 years of aftermarket management and financial experience when he joined Delphi in 2002 as marketing director for DPSS. In 2006, when DPSS restructured into business units, Barbeau was named vice president, global independent aftermarket, DPSS. Barbeau began his automotive career in 1976 at Monroe Auto Equipment Co. in Monroe, Mich., achieving the position of chief financial officer. In 1987, Barbeau became president of ARA Automotive Group in Grand Prairie, Texas, a privately held original equipment manufacturer of automotive heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and became senior vice president, operations, for APS Inc. in 1990, a Houston-based national distributor of automotive replacement parts. Before coming to Delphi, Barbeau served as executive vice president of Auto Parts Express LLC, an automotive parts and equipment distribution company he co-founded in 1999.

The aftermarket also said goodbye to two loyal and long-serving veterans this week.

Oscar "Jack" Gomez, founder of Atlantic Pacific Automotive (AP Auto), has died at the age of 86. Gomez started Atlantic Pacific Automotive in 1952 and grew the company to be one of America’s largest independent discount automotive parts suppliers. Gomez was known as an entrepreneur and a legend in the automotive aftermarket. Among his many accomplishments, he launched the company’s innovative, "Fast Order Form" that featured low prices and broad product offerings. Through the Fast Order Form, the company grew because jobbers could fulfill most of their automotive needs through a single, low-cost provider, which allowed them to remain competitive in a challenging market.

A native of New Orleans and a graduate of Louisiana State University, Gomez served as a tail gunner in World War II. After military service, he began his career selling machines that wrapped bread. From there Gomez entered the aftermarket, selling automotive chemicals for Bardahl and Malco, primarily to service stations and garages. After developing his own line of products, which included the E-Z On line of tire patches, Gomez ventured out on his own to start Atlantic Pacific Automotive.
 
Jasper Engines & Transmissions is mourning the loss of its longest-serving associate, Gervase Schwenk. Gervase succumbed to cancer Sept. 8, at the age of 86. Gervase’s passing closes the book on an amazing 64-year career with JASPER dating back to April 1, 1946. A World War II veteran, Gervase was hired by Jasper founders Hilda and Alvin Ruxer as a bookkeeper. Though Gervase had very little formal higher education, he soon became involved in all phases of Jasper Engines & Transmissions, serving as general manager, building-construction planner and equipment designer. A self-taught computer programmer, Gervase has written company computer programs. Among other activities, he managed the company’s investments and finances. Gervase was recently recognized as in the top 10 percent of fund managers in the United States.

“Not only do we lose a good friend, unbelievable businessman and chairman, but truly a gentle giant who was extremely humble and cared more about others than he cared about himself,” said JASPER President Doug Bawel. “His loss will be tough, but his legacy must live on.”

For those looking to give their aftermarket career the extra edge, Northwood University has announced what is believed to be the first MBA program designed to address the parallel business challenges and emerging opportunities facing automotive dealership and aftermarket manufacturing and distribution professionals. The new program will be launched in January by Northwood University’s DeVos Graduate School of Management. Applications are now being accepted for this exclusive degree program.

According to Northwood officials, the DeVos MBA for Automotive Professionals will be the first of its kind to serve the interests of aspiring leaders in these increasingly interrelated industries. Designed to meet the career demands of tomorrow’s industry leaders, the convenient 24-month MBA capitalizes on the best of distance and on-site learning environments. While much of the relevant course-related information can be effectively conveyed online, honing the knowledge into powerful strategic skills requires face-to-face exposure with seasoned professors and fellow student-executives from within the vehicle retail and aftermarket segments. The program will feature six four-day on-site sessions at Northwood University’s campuses in Midland, Mich., and West Palm Beach, Fla., as well as convenient travel "hubs" across the U.S. Visit the graduate studies page on the Northwood website for more information regarding the DeVos MBA for Automotive Professionals, including a detailed curriculum guide.

Wrapping up our recap of the week’s most popular news Counterman Editor Mark Phillips reports back from the National Pronto Association fall member meeting, which took place earlier this week in Indianapolis. Total attendance for the event was 346, including 73 member companies with 112 vendor booths. Highlights from the event included a presentation of awards for outstanding vendors that serve Pronto members. Pronto also recognized the 2010 Executive of the Year.

ACDelco received the Supplier of the Year award. Nancy McLean, director of ACDelco marketing, told aftermarketNews.com. “We’ve made a lot of changes to our business in the last 18 months. I’m so honored that ACDelco is being recognized. We’ve realigned our products and made sure we’ve got the right ones in the right markets.” Pronto approved ACDelco as a supplier last year during meetings at AAPEX, said Pronto President Bill Maggs. “We’ve had members who’ve have stocked ACDelco for ages. ACDelco is a great supplier with a great brand.”