LUXEMBOURG – TMD Friction, a leading global manufacturer of brake friction materials for automotive and commercial vehicle applications, has announced that CEO and board member Derek Whitworth has decided to pursue new opportunities outside the automotive supply industry and will be leaving the group. Executive Director and CFO John Hudson will succeed Whitworth as CEO, effective July 19. 
Whitworth said, “Over the seven years as CEO for TMD, we have successfully restored the group to its position as a leading automotive friction manufacturer and have ensured a good, long-term future for its employees. Having completed the sale of the business to Nisshinbo Holdings Inc. in November 2011, I now feel that the time is right to step down and explore new challenges outside of the TMD and Nisshinbo Groups. The board’s decision to appoint John Hudson as my successor has my full support and I am confident that TMD has a good and successful future ahead.”
Shizuka Uzawa, president of Nisshinbo Holdings Inc., added, “Derek has led TMD’s business with skill, integrity and courage during a period of tremendous change and challenge for the automotive industry and for the company. His passion and drive have been key to the successful turn-around in TMD’s position. We thank him for his leadership of TMD over the past seven years and for his support of both the Nisshinbo and TMD friction businesses since the acquisition in November 2011.
"We are very pleased that John Hudson has accepted the offer to succeed Derek as Chief Executive Officer. Derek and John have worked as a strong team since joining TMD and John’s appointment will allow continuity of senior management and direction for TMD. We are confident that TMD has a good future under his leadership.”
Commenting on his appointment, John Hudson said: “It is a great honor to be asked to succeed Derek as CEO. I inherit a solid foundation within TMD upon which to build and the next years will be a period of exciting opportunity for the Nisshinbo and TMD friction businesses as we look to further strengthen our co-operation and enhance our service offerings to customers around the world.”
In addition, Mal Hartland will succeed John Hudson as the group’s CFO. Hartland has been with TMD since 2001 and has held a number of senior roles within the company’s finance department.
