CLEVELAND – Prestolite Performance recently expanded its sales team with the addition of Craig Stark as vice president of sales and Michael Grimes as director of retail sales. The company has also appointed Bob Bruegging the vice president of business development.
“We are committed to long-term growth that exceeds the industry average and these recent developments will enable us to meet that expectation,” said Scott Fox, Prestolite Performance’s president. “With these new team members, we can increase our presence in the marketplace and expand our innovative product offerings for each brand in our portfolio.”
As head of the sales team, Stark brings more than three decades of aftermarket experience to his new role. He previously served in an executive position at Corteco, which services specialty channel automatic transmission repair. Stark will be responsible for planning, implementing and driving sales with a short- and long-term strategic mindset.
“Prestolite Performance’s priority is to remain customer-centric and market needs-driven,” said Stark. “My goal is to focus on customer service through increased communication to distribution channels and more aggressive new product delivery.”
To further develop its leadership position in the performance aftermarket, Prestolite Performance has appointed Bruegging to vice president of business development. Bruegging has worked with the company’s brands including Mr. Gasket in several executive positions for more than 20 years.
Bruegging says he will be able to capitalize on his deep understanding of the industry and the company to create new business opportunities in this role. He will focus on finding new business ventures through distribution, acquisitions and partnerships.
“Prestolite Performance is committed to investing in the business,” said Bruegging. “More than ever, we are focused on expanding our business and elevating our brands – both domestically and internationally. As a result, we are looking to collaborate with smaller entrepreneurial companies with great ideas and products that could take advantage of Prestolite Performance’s extensive distribution capabilities.”
Prestolite is rounding out the sales team with Grimes as the new director of retail sales. With more than 20 years of automotive experience, Grimes will be working with Prestolite Performance’s retail accounts and continuing successful partnerships to exceed sales and productivity objectives. Before joining the team, Grimes previously served as a director at Dorman Products as well as director for Tenneco Automotive. He will now focus on retail partners to provide a single point of contact.
“We are continually working to evolve as a company and as a market leader within the automotive performance aftermarket industry,” said Fox. “These new members will help move our sales efforts forward with a fresh perspective and provide new ways to drive business growth. It has been a great start to the year and this is an exciting time for the company.”
Prestolite Performance is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of auto racing, performance and appearance products and markets its products under well-recognized and respected brands including: Mr. Gasket, ACCEL, Lakewood Industries and Mallory Ignition.
