Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Shelby American Inc. has appointed Gary Patterson company president, Vince LaViolette vice president of operations and Keith Criswell director of research and development. |
Shelby American Announces Key Promotions, Including Gary Patterson as President
Shelby American Inc. has appointed Gary Patterson company president. In addition, Vince LaViolette was named vice president of operations, while Shelby Performance Parts (SPP) Director Keith Criswell will now also be director of research and development. Patterson has been part of the team that created every Shelby vehicle, starting with the CSX4000 continuation Cobra through the latest models built in Las Vegas. He has managed the sales team, marketing group and dealer development. He has been on product development teams, a company spokesman, driving instructor and a test driver. Patterson has served as director for numerous open road races and is a Power Pro ambassador for Optima Batteries. LaViolette has also served in a variety of roles over the past decade at Shelby American. He has served as director of production, research and development, chief designer and factory test driver. Criswell joined Shelby in 2007, and has worked his way through the organization. He managed the SPP wholesale department before being promoted to director of the division. He previously served as technical and sales supervisor for the Drake Automotive Group in Nevada.
The Network, APA Group and VIPAR Heavy Duty Announce Formation of NEXUS North America
The Automotive Distribution Network (The Network), Automotive Parts Associates (APA Group) and VIPAR Heavy Duty have announced the formation of NEXUS North America LLC. In March 2016, the three organizations announced that they joined NEXUS Automotive International SA (N!)—a global aftermarket trade group. The new NEXUS North America entity serves as the exclusive partner for N! in North America. The organization has offices located in Germantown, Tennessee; Kansas City, Missouri; and Crystal Lake, Illinois. Officers of the organization are David Prater (The Network), president; Chris Baer (VIPAR Heavy Duty), vice president; Gary Martin (APA Group), secretary; and Beth San Filippo (VIPAR Heavy Duty), treasurer. NEXUS North America provides a forum for the three groups to share ideas, knowledge and strategies to best meet the needs of customers ranging from light-passenger through heavy-duty commercial vehicles. The partnership also enables each group to collaborate on a deeper level to address mutual opportunities and challenges while serving their respective market segments. Areas of concentration for the group include PDC opportunities, technology sharing and solutions, national fleets and global supplier relationships. NEXUS North America will hold “Connecting Days,” 21–24, 2017 in Atlanta. The event will allow the group to meet with global supplier partners and prospective partners to further strengthen relationships.
 A black ’53 Studebaker customized and painted by Alan Johnson and his team at Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop was named the 2016 Goodguys Custom Rod of the Year. |
Goodguys Custom Rod of the Year Award Won by PPG-Painted Studebaker
A black ’53 Studebaker was named the 2016 Goodguys Custom Rod of the Year. The car was customized and painted by Alan Johnson and his team at Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop in Gadsden, Alabama, using PPG refinish products. The award was presented November 19 at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association’s 19th annual Southwest Nationals at WestWorld of Scottsdale. The Studebaker, owned by Paul and Betty Gilliam of Birmingham, Alabama, was selected out of a competitive field of seven custom rod finalists from regional Goodguys events held throughout the past year. Custom rods from ’49–’72 were eligible to enter the contest.
ADAC Automotive Announces New Vice President of Engineering
Tier-one automotive supplier ADAC Automotive has hired Gene Hawkins as vice president of engineering. In his new role, Hawkins will lead product design, product development, program management and research and development for ADAC Automotive and will serve as a member of the executive team. Hawkins brings more than 33 years of business, executive and engineering leadership experience from a variety of companies in automotive manufacturing. Most recently, Hawkins served as vice president of engineering with Vibracoustic in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Hawkins has also served in engineering leadership roles with Delphi Corp. and General Motors.
 Dave Barbeau |
Dave Barbeau Announces Retirement From TI Automotive
Capping a nearly 40-year career in the automotive aftermarket, Dave Barbeau, managing director of Global Aftermarket for Pump & Module Systems at TI Automotive, has announced his retirement, effective December 31, 2016. In April 2014, Barbeau began work at TI Automotive, where he was responsible for all aspects of the company’s global aftermarket business. Barbeau is a former executive vice president for Marx Group Advisors (now Hart Marx Advisors) and a member of its advisory board. Before joining TI Automotive, Barbeau worked with several automotive parts companies, including Monroe Auto Equipment Company, ARA Automotive Group, APS Inc., Auto Parts Express and Delphi Automotive, where he was responsible for the Global Independent Aftermarket Business Unit. Barbeau’s career has included work as an independent consultant, providing business improvement advice to companies in the automotive aftermarket. He’s a former board member for the Automotive Sales Council, Auto Care Association, and most recently was chairman of the board of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA).
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