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.

In his role, Willis will be tasked with range development planning and analysis of its LuK, INA, FAG and Ruville brands, as well as managing and growing Repxpert training and support to technicians working in the automotive aftermarket.

Willis said: “It’s an honour and a great challenge to be joining Schaeffler, a company that boasts renowned and leading brands. It feels like joining a family, and I am fortunate to head-up a brilliant part of it.

“I have received tremendous support from my predecessor, Malcolm Short, and the whole Schaeffler team, so I am confident that I will hit the ground running. I want to bring a renewed focus to the product range and technical data so that we continue to deliver the very best service to the automotive aftermarket.

“I will ensure our Repxperts and I continue to provide the necessary training and technical support, in preparation for the advances in powertrain and telematic developments coming to the UK and the global automotive industry.”

Before taking the post at Schaeffler, Willis enjoyed a spell at Delphi Automotive as senior global product manager (braking and thermal), where he was in-charge of handling the divestiture of Delphi Thermal to Mahle in the aftermarket and managing a significant tender for aftermarket data services.

He also held positions within Jaguar Land Rover’s global product marketing and aftersales departments, where he was responsible for introducing the electronic vehicle health check and menu pricing to its global dealer network.