Industry backing needed to make government youth guarantee a success
Support for 18 to 21-year-olds in education and employment through a proposed government Youth Guarantee could help alleviate the skills crisis in the automotive aftermarket according to Easy2Recruit. However, the agency helping garages hire overseas talent believes industry backing will be crucial for this to make a difference to the ongoing skills crisis affecting the garage sector.
Continue ReadingOsram provides training to apprentices
Lighting manufacturer OSRAM recently offered training and advice to apprentices at North London Garages GTA. With apprentices being a significant part of the future of the automotive aftermarket, OSRAM is dedicated to assisting in their education, which is why representatives from the business recently conducted a training session for 32 apprentices.
Continue ReadingCleevely Group confirms next ‘At Ease With EV’ training dates
Following success throughout 2024, Cleevely Group has announced that its highly acclaimed ‘At Ease With EV’ training courses are set to return in 2025. Aimed at garage owners and technicians with IMI Level 2, 3, or 4 qualifications, the exclusive course offers a unique opportunity to build the confidence and skills needed to tackle the growing demand for EV servicing and repairs.
Continue ReadingZF Aftermarket appoints network and technical specialist Shaun Fitzgerald to [pro]Tech team
ZF Aftermarket has appointed Shaun Fitzgerald as network and technical specialist. Fitzgerald brings 15 years of experience as a technician for brands such as Ford and Renault to the role, which will see him engage directly on tailored ZF product training with garages and motor factor branches. He will also support marketing of [pro]Tech Plus to workshops nationwide. The company said Fitzgerald will “play a vital role in the development of new training opportunities and the introduction of advanced diagnostic software to the market.”
Continue ReadingETB Autocentres promotes Exeter manager to oversee Cornish, Devon and Somerset depots
ETB Autocentres has promoted its Exeter centre manager Tom Beazley to oversee six Cornish, Devon and Somerset branches as retail area manager. The 32-year-old, who has been working in the fast fit industry since the age of 16, has taken on the position after playing an instrumental role in the sustained success at the Exeter depot over the past three years. He will now be a point of contact for centres in Plymouth, Bridport, Bude, Taunton, Exeter and Launceston, assisting them with their daily outputs and providing regular support to improve performance.
Continue ReadingAnne Forristall Luke named TRF President
The Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF) has appointed Anne Forristall Luke President of its Board of Directors. Forristall Luke, President and CEO of the US Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), will serve a one-year term.
Continue ReadingSophie Foucque named CEO of Michelin Connected Fleet in three continents
Sophie Foucque has been appointed as CEO of Michelin Connected Fleet, Europe, Africa and Australia. Previously, she headed Michelin’s Mobility Intelligence Business Venture as group managing director, prior to which she supported several divisions in the fields of artificial intelligence and business change, during a career within Michelin Group spanning nearly 15 years. Specifically, Foucque was previously vice-president for M&A Strategy and Innovation in Michelin’s Services & Solutions division. She will now be based in London in her new role.
Continue ReadingAeolus executive vice president retires
Aeolus executive vice president, Zhang Xiaoxin, has retired. The tyremaker expressed gratitude for Zhang Xiaoxin’s “diligent work” and “contributions to the company” during his tenure but did not disclose who would be the successor to the position.
Continue ReadingSmithers names Spitz CFO
Testing, consulting, information, and compliance services firm Smithers has appointed Brian Spitz as Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Spitz is responsible for overseeing the global financial and legal operations, leading initiatives to improve financial efficiency and supporting Smithers strategic growth objectives.
Continue ReadingYokohama Rubber announces senior management changes
Effective 1 January 2025, Yoshikuni Nakamura will assume the position of President of Yokohama Rubber’s Thailand-based subsidiary, Yokohama Asia Co., Ltd. In addition, he will take on the roles of Chairman of Yokohama Tire Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd., as well as Chairman of regional subsidiaries Yokohama Tyre Sales Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Yokohama Tire Sales Philippines, Inc., and Yokohama Tyre Sales Vietnam Co., Ltd. Nakamura will succeed Tadaharu Yamamoto, who will transition to Nakamura’s former role as Head of Yokohama Rubber’s Corporate Social Responsibility Division at the start of the year.
Continue ReadingVaculug appoints three to new senior management roles
Vaculug has appointed three people to new roles within its senior management team. Over the last few months, Vaculug reports that it has embarked on a strategic project to enhance its management structure, aiming to “drive sustainable growth while prioritising employee development”. These moves focused on “refining organisational structure and succession planning”. The following appointments are the result.
Continue ReadingCimcorp names Veli-Matti Hakala as new CEO
In light of the retirement of Cimcorp’s current CEO, Tero Peltomäki, the industrial automation specialist has announced that Veli-Matti Hakala will take over effective 1 January 2025. With over 25 years of experience in industry and technology, Veli-Matti Hakala first joined Cimcorp in 2016. During that time he has held diverse roles in the company from sales to management and last year became executive vice president.
Continue ReadingYue Hua becomes the new general manager of Firemax
The management of Shandong tyre manufacturer Firemax has changed, with Yue Hua replacing Guo Naiming as the new director, general manager and legal representative. Yue Hua was the deputy general manager of Firemax before becoming general manager.
Continue ReadingYokohama supports college students
Yokohama has been building ties with Northampton College by providing educational talks on logistics and by donating a retired lorry for its mechanical students to practice their skills. It was after Yokohama’s transport supervisor Chris Reed delivered the Scania 94D that he was asked by the college if he’d be happy to return and talk to the students about his insight into the logistics sector.
Continue ReadingOmnisource appoints Rob Montasser, vice president of sales, USA
OmniSource has named Rob Montasser vice president of U.S. market sales. Montasser has over two decades of experience in sales leadership, organizational development, and strategic planning within the tyre, automotive and other industries. His CV includes senior leadership positions at Falken Tire, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, and Goodyear, and his expertise will be instrumental as Omni United Group continues to expand its U.S. presence.
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