Delphi Steering Names New Finance Director
Delphi Corp. has named David Knill the new finance director for Delphi Steering, headquartered in Saginaw, Mich. In this new assignment, Knill joins the division’s executive staff and reports to Robert Remenar, Delphi vice president and president of Delphi Steering.Knill succeeds Doug Gruber, who was recently named business line executive for electrical/electronic distribution systems at Delphi Packard.
Universal Automotive Appoints Two New Managers
Universal Automotive Industries has appointed Larry Newman and Arnold Slutsky to managerial positions at the company’s Autospecialty division. Newman joins Autospecialty’s Undercar Products Group as sales team program group manager. Slutsky has been named purchasing manager at Autospecialty’s Supply Chain division, based in Alsip, Ill.
Former RMA VP Joins MEMA
On June 1, Ann Wilson, formerly of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) in Washington, D.C., will join the staff at the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). Previously, Wilson served as the vice president of government affairs at RMA. She will serve in the same role with MEMA.
JS Products, Inc. Appoints John Wiedemann as President
John Wiedemann has been appointed president of JS Products, Inc., which supplies precision-engineered specialty tools and equipment to the professional automotive, back shop, OEM and retail markets. Prior to joining JS Products, Wiedemann served as vice president, president and COO
DENSO Introduces New Management System to Begin in June
DENSO Corp. has announced a reorganization of the company’s management structure, set to take effect after its annual stockholders meeting in June. The new structure will include a board of directors and non-board managing officers. The current system consists only of a board of directors. The reorganization was designed to streamline operations, said Koichi Fukaya, president and CEO of DENSO.
Timken Names General Manager, Automotive Aftermarket, The Americas
Jack Cameron, current Timken general manager of automotive aftermarket for North America, has been promoted to general manager of automotive aftermarket for the Americas. Cameron, who has been with Timken for five years, brings to the position more than 20 years of experience.
Bruce Mardar Joins Akebono North America
Akebono Corp. has named Bruce Mardar eastern regional sales manager for aftermarket sales. Mardar replaces Carl Schaefer, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. Before joining Akebono, Mardar spent 14 years with Qualitee International, a supplier of aftermarket brake and clutch components, where he most recently served as national sales manager.
GKN Driveline Names New Managing Director of Operations
Philippe Cabassol has been named managing director of operations for GKN Driveline Americas. Cabassol replaces Richard Best, who was recently named strategic director for global projects.
Prominent ASA Leader Passes Away
Allen Richey, former CEO of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), passed away early Wednesday morning, April 21. He began his association career as editor of the 11-member Independent Garagemen’s Association (IGA) of Texas’ monthly magazine. As his responsibilities with IGA grew, he worked to provide training and education to association members. His vision for offering training and education to the automotive repair and service industry was realized in the formation of the Automotive Management Institute (AMI). As a result of his lifelong devotion and commitment to the industry, Richey was instrumental in the successful merger of two renowned automotive associations, the Automotive Service Council and the Independent Automotive Service Association, to form what is now ASA.
Interstate Batteries Taps Next Chief Exec
Interstate Batteries, a leading brand of replacement automobile batteries in North America, has announced that Carlos Sepulveda will be promoted to president and CEO on May 1. Sepulveda will replace R. Tom Miller, current president and CEO, who is retiring after 41 years in various executive positions at Interstate Batteries. In addition, Len Ruby, executive vice president has announced his retirement after 25 years with the company.
Douglas Battery Names New Sales and Marketing VP
Douglas Battery recently named William Spears to the position of vice president of sales and marketing for the company’s automotive division. Spears, a 20-year veteran of the automotive industry, began his career in auto parts with Mid-American Industries (Green Light Auto). Since that time, he has developed comprehensive sales programs for some of the world’s top battery manufacturers.
AAIA Names New Director of Government Affairs
AAIA has appointed Stephanie Salmon as its new director of government affairs. Salmon previously served as the senior associate of a Washington-based government affairs firm for more than ten years, representing several manufacturing trade associations. She covered federal legislative and regulatory matters concerning health, safety, labor, tax, trade and energy issues.