MADISON, Ind. – Chief Automotive Technologies has named Richard Perry OEM and strategic account sales manager. Perry previously served as global repair product manager for Chief, and has been with the company since 1996.

In his new role, Perry will work side-by-side with OEM engineers to ensure Chief collision repair products work properly with the next generation of vehicles. He will provide OEMs with input about proper collision repair procedures, while also leveraging his knowledge of new vehicle design to grow the Chief product line.

In addition to working with Chief’s OEM accounts, Perry will help introduce new collision repair products, technologies and procedures to other key customers. He will continue to serve on the I-CAR International Board of Directors, act as a collision adviser for SkillsUSA and represent Chief at Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) meetings.

“I am excited to have someone of Richard’s caliber on the Chief sales team,” says Bob Holland, director of collision in North and South America for Chief parent company Vehicle Service Group (VSG). “He is an expert in modern collision repair and will be a big asset to our customers.”

Perry got his start in the collision repair industry more than 30 years ago as a body technician. He joined Chief as a training instructor in 1996, and was named manager of training and industry affairs in 2005. As training manager, Perry oversaw the development and updating of all Chief University classes and acted as Chief’s liaison to the insurance industry, since Chief training is a requirement for some national insurance appraisers.

“For the past 10 years, I’ve worked with OEMs to develop Chief University training curricula that is relevant for new vehicle construction practices,” says Perry. “I’ve seen the industry change, as manufacturers have increased their use of high-strength steel, aluminum and other advanced metals. Now, I am excited to dedicate more of my time to finding the right repair products and techniques to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”