LeasePlan UK, one of the world’s leading vehicle management groups, has announced the appointment of two senior roles within the UK business; Chris Black as commercial director and Steve Jones as director for future fleet solutions, with both taking up positions on the UK managing board immediately.
MWheels has appointed Neil Hitchen to the newly created role of technical manager. Hitchen, a CPC-Qualified transport manager and experienced operations manager, will be responsible for the upkeep of the company’s in-depth technical library, as well as special projects including the introduction of new steel, Xlite and Xbrite forged aluminium wheels from global manufacturer, Wheels India.
GRI Tires has announced the appointment of a new chairman and a new CEO.
Harris Premaratne was appointed as GRI’s chairman with effect from the 29 March 2018. A veteran banker, Premaratne’s appointment is intended to help take GRI to a “leading position amongst global specialty tyre manufactures”.
Test World has appointed Andrew Beach as its new business development director. Beach will be responsible for all sales activities at Test World, and play a key role in continuing to accelerate its growth.
Andrew Beach has spent his career working in automotive test and development. He joined Millbrook in 2000 and has been working closely with Test World since its acquisition by Millbrook in September 2015.
Solvay has appointed Rodrigo Elizondo as president of its special chem global business unit, and Michael Finelli as president of its global specialty polymers business unit.
Rodrigo Elizondo, previously commercial director for special chem, has more than 26 years with the group. He has held commercial leadership and business management roles in North America, Europe and Asia for various business lines within Special Chem.
Prometeon Tyre Group has announced a new organisation structure in order to “strengthen its presence in the different markets in which it operates” and “to continue the integration process with the Aeolus group”.
The following appointees will report directly to Prometeon’s chairman and CEO, Giorgio Luca Bruno:
Leading UK tyre group, European Tyre Enterprise Ltd (ETEL), has announced a series of promotions within its senior management, including the appointment of a new CEO following Kenji Murai’s promotion to a global position with parent company, Itochu.
The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) has announced the appointment of Chris Weeks as director of the National Body Repairers Association (NBRA) and the Vehicle Builders Repairers Association (VBRA).
Midwest Motor Factors has appointed Mark Graver to the role of parts sales manager. Based at its new-look Bilston branch, he will be responsible for developing sales and the growth within the Midwest branch network, as well as tapping into new opportunities.
Maxam Tire International has appointed Jeff Hughes as sales director, GOTR (giant off the road) tyres. Reporting directly to Maxam global president, Martin West, Hughes is predominantly responsible for driving and developing the sales and market share of Maxam GOTR tyres in mining and associated segments.
Carbon Clean, the engine decarbonising system that works using electrolysis, is expanding its dynamic workforce with the recent appointment of Ben Rudge as head of business development. With more than 20 years’ industry experience covering a broad spectrum of roles and responsibilities, Carbon Clean states Rudge is well-placed to help take the business forward and grow Carbon Clean’s presence in the UK marketplace.
Hella’s paint brand, Sonne, has grown exponentially in the past year, which is why the team behind the popular brand is introducing Colin Thompson into the Sonne group, as its new business development manager, Thompson has a wealth of knowledge and experience that has been accrued in successful roles within the automotive industry. He specialises in refinishing, tools and equipment and service segments.
Launch UK, the UK supplier of automotive diagnostics equipment, has appointed Richard Collyer in the role of product and equipment specialist, bringing a wealth of aftermarket experience to the established brand. Collyer’s primary role will be to market, demonstrate and sell Launch’s ATF 501S, a device to clean and maintain the entire transmission system easily and quickly.
Giti Tire has promoted Craig Tominey to senior regional sales manager for its UK truck and bus (TBR) operations. He will take up the role while maintaining his position as area sales manager (ASM) for Scotland. Giti adds that Tominey, who joined Giti in April 2013 from BSUK, will support the company’s five ASMs around the country while having greater input into strategy with senior management and the office-based sales team. He will report directly to Tony McHugh, TBR sales and marketing director UK at Giti Tire.
CAM has appointed a new client liaison officer as part of the business’ ongoing expansion of its customer service commitment. An experienced sales and administration professional, Anna Morris will be the main point of contact for CAM’s existing customers. She will meet with customers face-to-face to facilitate ongoing client contact enabling tyre dealers to be current with the full suite of software and data solutions that CAM offers to help them expand their business opportunities.
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