NEXUS Automotive International (N!) has appointed Gerson Prado, CEO of Brazilian autoparts distributor SK Automotive, as its new chairman. He was elected at the alliance’s bi-annual shareholder meeting and succeeds Akram Shahrour, who held the post for the past six years since N! was founded.
Gerson has worked in the auto parts sector for 36 years. As CEO of SK Automotive, he heads one of the largest auto parts distributors in Brazil.
He began his career in the sector as a salesman, reaching management and director positions in both distribution and industry. SK is part of the Shark Group, along with 12 other companies that are all leaders in the markets in which they operate.
Commenting on the appointment, Gerson said, “These are unprecedented times, both for the automotive aftermarket and for the world we live in. But we will come through it, and by making ready now we will be in a strong position to grasp the opportunities that will emerge in a reshaped industry.
“From ensuring that we have our place at the smart mobility table, to attracting the talents of the future, there are major challenges ahead. But ours is a progressive alliance, and I look forward as its new chairman, working with the N! team and the N! community, to addressing those challenges, building on the excellent work of my predecessor.”
Shahrour, CEO of N! Member Abu Khader Group, which is based in Jordan, added, “It has been an honor to serve as chairman for the past six years. At the point where my tenure has come to an end and a new chairman has been appointed, N! has proven again that it is truly international by electing Gerson Prado, from Brazil.
“He is a close friend and colleague and I look forward to giving him my full support as we continue to jointly serve as members of the Executive Committee of the Board of N! for the next three years. I wish him all the good luck and success in his new position.”
Gael Escribe, N! CEO, said, “It has been an enormous pleasure to work with Akram who, as a shareholder/member and chairman, has been involved in building N! from the beginning. It has been a great journey, with a great result. And I am delighted to welcome Gerson as chairman, one outstanding chairman being followed by another!”
