Learn How to Work Leaner, Faster, Better at GAAS 2004
Early registrants for the ninth annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) program will learn how the aftermarket will work leaner, faster and better at a substantial savings. GAAS 2004 is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago, Ill. Dr. Jeffrey Rosensweig, economist and professor at Emory University, heads the lineup of speakers at GAAS 2004. NASCAR Driver Bill Lester is the featured lunch speaker on Tuesday, May 18. GAAS 2004 will also include two pre-conference events: the 2004 Manufacturers’ Reps Conference on Sunday and Monday, May 16-17, and the University of the Aftermarket Pre-Symposium Seminar on Monday, May 17, “How to Accelerate Your Sales Growth through Increased Customer Loyalty.”
ArvinMeritor Taps Don Polk to Lead Its LVS Wheels Business
ArvinMeritor has promoted Donald Polk to the position of vice president and general manager of its Light Vehicle Systems (LVS) business group’s Wheels product line, effective immediately. Before being named to this new position, Polk was vice president and general manager of the LVS Ride Control product line. Polk began his career with the company as a Wheels sales engineer in 1989.
Delphi Appoints Three New Sales Managers in North America
Delphi Corp. has named three new sales managers for North America. Jim Eady, Darrel Reuss and Steve Tucker will serve as regional sales managers for vehicle electronics in North America for Delphi Product & Service Solutions. Eady will cover the Southeast, Reuss the Midwest and Tucker the Northeast and all will report to Scott Donnelly, North American vehicle electronics sales manager.
Federal-Mogul Appoints Jay Burkhart, Vice President, Global Marketing and Brand Strategy
Federal-Mogul has appointed Jay Burkhart to vice president, global marketing and brand strategy. In this new role, he will be responsible for marketing and brand strategy in aftermarket sales locations throughout the world. Prior to this promotion, Burkhart, who joined the company in 1998, was responsible for marketing in the North American aftermarket. He has been instrumental in helping the Federal-Mogul North American aftermarket organization achieve record performance in sales and numerous awards for marketing excellence, including most recently, the prestigious PACE Award for product innovation.
Car Care Council Reports Increased Web Site Usage, Women’s Board Membership Up
In 2003, usage of the Car Care Council’s Car Care Newspaper Supplement (CCNS) Web site grew dramatically, the council said. The growth coincides with the first year of the Car Care Council’s “Be Car Care Aware” consumer-education campaign. In addition to the news of increased usage of Car Care Council materials, the Car Care Council Women’s Board’s announced that its membership more than doubled in 2003, setting a record high number.
Aftermarket Legislative Advocate Passes Away
A long-time friend of the aftermarket, Jack Heyler, died on Dec. 26, 2003 after a six-year battle with emphysema. Heyler was a tireless worker in support of the independent aftermarket, leading industry efforts to defeat legislation that would have extended state mandated emissions warranties to 10 years/100,000 miles; and to obtain passage of SB 1146, which mandated that car companies make emissions-related service information and diagnostic tools available to the independent service industry. He was active in the Automotive Service Counsels of California and the Society for Automotive Engineers, helping found the Service Technicians Society a SAE affiliate group.
Thomas Group Names New CEO
Professional services firm Thomas Group has named James “Jim” Taylor CEO and president of the company, effective Jan. 13. Taylor succeeds John Hamann as CEO. For the last three years, Taylor has served as Thomas Group’s executive vice president and CFO. He has been credited for successfully returning Thomas Group to profitability following the 2001 consulting industry downturn and global recession. Taylor will remain CFO on an interim basis while assuming his new responsibilities.
Two Michigan Manufacturers Name New Directors of Investor Relations
Lear Corp. has appointed Anne Bork director of investor relations. In her new role, Bork will be responsible for supporting the company’s global investor-relations activities. She will report to Mel Stephens, Lear’s vice president of investor relations and corporate communications. TRW Automotive has also named a new director of investor relations. Patrick Stobb has joined TRW from Visteon where he held the position of manager of investor and shareholder relations since June 2002. Prior to that, he held a number of finance positions with both Visteon and Ford.