NEXUS Automotive International (N!) has recruited an experienced manager to drive forward business opportunities for N! members and suppliers in the North African country of Algeria.
Sami Larbes, who has 20 years of aftermarket experience, will lead the activities of the regional organization Nexus Automotive Algeria.
His appointment is in line with the global alliance’s pledge to have “feet on the ground” to serve the differing markets in Africa. It follows the announcement made at the Equip Auto international trade show in Paris, that NEXUS is close to establishing two new regional entities, one in French-speaking West Africa, called IAMaga, and a second to follow in East Africa.
Larbes said, “This is the perfect time to be joining NEXUS, just as it is taking important and decisive action to accelerate its activity on this great continent. I am very excited by the challenge.”
Larbes’ career to-date has included working for Autotech and, most recently, as general director with Carotop, where he had strategic responsibility for workshops and body parts shops.
Nexus Automotive Algeria, with headquarters in Algiers, is composed of six of the most important spare parts and equipment distributors for passenger cars and heavy-duty vehicles in Algeria.
They are A&M Distribution, DOUADI Automotive, HABCHI Auto Distribution, KEDDACHE AUTOMOBILE, SARL EMSG (Equipment Motors Service Group) MANSOUR and SIAD Automobile Group.
Each group has large retailer networks in all of the country’s main cities, giving NEXUS Automotive Algeria a national dimension.
NEXUS Automotive International CEO Gael Escribe, said, “From day one we foresaw the potential for business in Africa, but we also understand it is not a single entity but several different markets each with their own structure.
“So, it is important we have the right people on the ground, with relevant market experience, so that the N! Community is best placed to take advantage of the opportunities as they develop.
“We’re delighted to have someone of such high caliber as Sami join Nexus. His energy and experience will prove invaluable as we seek to build on all that’s already been achieved in Algeria.”
