MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, announced Julie Fream, president and CEO of MEMA’s Original Equipment Suppliers group will step down from her role March 31, 2024. Following a 40-year career in the automotive industry, including a decade of outstanding leadership in her role as the Original Equipment Suppliers group president and CEO, Fream will be pursuing broader opportunities of leadership and learning, MEMA said.
“Julie is a deeply respected and influential champion for suppliers. In her role, she advanced the business interests of vehicle suppliers during some of the most challenging times the industry has faced,” said Bill Long, president and CEO, MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association. “The MEMA organization and its members greatly appreciate Julie’s long-standing and positive leadership.”
Concurrently, MEMA announced Collin Shaw will succeed Fream as president of the MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers group, effective April 1, 2024. Shaw joined MEMA as president of its Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) in early 2022 and currently serves as MEMA’s chief commercial vehicle officer and chief operations officer for the Original Equipment Suppliers group. Shaw was selected by MEMA’s Executive Committee and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers board chairman following an extensive leadership evaluation process.
To support and ensure a smooth leadership transition, Fream will continue in an advisory role at MEMA for an additional few months, according to MEMA.
MEMA noted that Shaw takes the helm of MEMA, Original Equipment Suppliers group at a critical time. “The motor vehicle parts supplier industry, which represents the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the United States, is rising to significant challenges and opportunities. In addition to the biggest technological advances in 100 years, the industry is adapting to threats to international free trade, economic concerns, significant regulatory shifts, and workforce development initiatives. MEMA is a consistent and trusted voice in Washington D.C. on the issues that affect MEMA’s members. Shaw will be tasked with ensuring the MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers group continues to successfully advance the business interests of its 500+ member companies.”
“Collin brings OEM and supplier experience to the organization, as well as experience in both the passenger car and commercial vehicle supplier environments,” said Jon Husby, MEMA OE Supplier group board chairman and president and CEO of ADAC Automotive. “He will lead the organization with a fresh perspective in the wake of MEMA’s recent realignment to better position the Original Equipment Suppliers group and its members for the future. We are fortunate to have his guidance as we address unprecedented levels of change. I am excited to have Collin in this key role at this important time.”
“Our industry and our members are both experiencing and driving transformational advances in vehicle technology while at the same time adapting to tectonic shifts in the global marketplace,” Shaw said in a statement. “Now more than ever, it is important that our collective voice be clear and strong on the issues that affect us all. I am grateful to the MEMA organization and members for the opportunity to serve them at this level.”
