Career Tracks
Lumileds welcomes ‘The Garage Inspector’ as Philips lights ambassador for UK, Ireland
Andy Savva, The Garage Inspector, has been involved in the automotive industry for over 32 years having owned and managed some of the most successful independent garages in the UK.
Schaeffler names Thomas Willis head of category and technical
Schaeffler (UK) Ltd has announced the appointment of Thomas Willis, who has joined as head of category and technical for the original equipment manufacturer’s aftermarket division.
Guy Heywood named Hankook Tire Europe truck tyre marketing director
Hankook Tire Europe has appointed Guy Heywood as the new marketing and strategy director for its European truck and bus business. Heywood has 20 years of experience in the tyre industry in leadership positions, most recently active as the commercial director for Michelin UK and Truck, Bus and Service director for the company’s North Europe area. Heywood is taking over from Seok Yun Kim who relocated to Hankook’s organisation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where he has become managing director.
Ex-Goodyear boss joins Bedlam Vodka board
Graybeard Distillery, home to Bedlam Vodka, has announced that Bob Keegan, the former CEO and chairman of Goodyear, has joined its board of directors. According to the distillery, Keegan will partner with Bedlam Vodka both as an investor and board member.
Goodyear appoints new HR leadership
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has promoted Gary VanderLind, vice president of Human Resources for the company’s Americas region to the position of senior vice president, Global Human Resources, effective 1 February 2019.
ECP founder resigns as LKQ announces executive leadership changes
LKQ Corporation has detailed the full changes in leadership at its business in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, following the departure of CEO Martin Gray and subsequent appointment of Andy Hamilton as chief executive officer of the Euro Car Parts Group (ECP). Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia, ECP’s founder forty years ago, resigned from his positions as a director of LKQ Corporation and as executive chairman of its ECP subsidiary. He had previously, in September 2017, agreed a contract for three further years as executive chairman of LKQ's operations in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.
Alcar MD Norbert Frohner departs
Alcar managing director has left the company in order to “continue his career in another industry”. According to a joint letter signed by Frohner and Alcar CEO Dr Alexander Riklin, the company “sincerely regret his decision and would like to thank him for his commitment and loyalty during his 25 years long work for Alcar.”
Garage equipment apprentices win first prize in apprenticeship challenge
Autoparts Garage Equipment apprentices Louis Kane and Darren McCaig have won the Glasgow Apprenticeship Challenge, fighting off stiff competition from companies across the city.
MWheels appoints Savage UK sales manager for fleet and aftermarket
MWheels has appointed Steve Savage as UK sales manager – fleet and aftermarket. He will be responsible for increased market penetration of steel, Xlite and Xbrite forged aluminium commercial vehicle wheels with both new and existing customers. Savage previously held the roles of fleet sales manager for Pirelli and national accounts truck for Bridgestone.
Hankook promotes Brett Emerson to UK managing director
Hankook Tire has appointed Brett Emerson as managing director for the UK effective 1 January 2019. Emerson brings over 30 years’ experience in the tyre industry, including nearly five years at Hankook in the role of UK sales director. He takes over the position from Jong Jin Park who has now relocated to Hankook’s American Headquarters to assume a new role.
CD Group appoint a non-executive director
CD Group has appointed Neil Davis as a non-executive director. He has over 20 years’ experience in the automotive aftermarket, including 11 years as managing director of FPS and of the Lookers Parts Division, which included FPS, Apec and BTN. He was also a main board director of Lookers PLC, the £4bn turnover vehicle retailer, from 2011 to 2016. The Lookers Parts Division was acquired by Alliance Automotive Group in 2016, and Davis led the successful transition of the acquired business before stepping down at the end of 2017.
ELTA makes three management appointments
ELTA Automotive Ltd has recruited three experienced aftermarket executives for its senior sales and commercial roles in a bid to further strengthen the team. In the space of a month, the company has reappointed Stuart Poole as commercial manager (from ATS Euromaster) and Mike Ballinger as its director of sales for Europe, as well as recruiting Craig O’Neil as the director of sales in the UK and Ireland.
Euro Car Parts announces leadership changes
The ECP Group has appointed Andy Hamilton as CEO, replacing Martin Gray who has decided to leave the company to pursue other interests. Hamilton joined Euro Car Parts in 2010 and held several different roles within the company, the last of which was chief operating officer.
Kumho USA appoints new CEO amidst global reshuffle
Kumho Tire USA has announced that Samuel Choi has succeeded Harry Choi as CEO. According to the company, Harry Choi is stepping down “to pursue new career opportunities” after six years leading Kumho’s US headquarters. Kumho reports that the transition comes as a part of a global shift in key executive management roles geared to positively reinforce the company for the present and future.
Specialist Automotive Global Skills Centre opens at MIRA
MIRA Technology Institute (MTI), a partnership between North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, Horiba MIRA, Coventry University, Loughborough University and the University of Leicester has officially opened at MIRA Technology Park (MTP). The institute, went into operation in September, was created to satisfy an ever-increasing demand for specialist skills in the automotive sector, with a focus on the growth of new and disruptive technologies.