Maxxsonics Hires Chris Bennett
Effective Wednesday, May 4, Chris Bennett has joined Maxxsonics as a national sales manager. He will add more growth and company outreach while driving sales in 2022 and beyond. Previously, Bennett was the director of mobile audio at AudioControl and a
national key account manager at Metra Electronics. He also owned a successful
retail shop in California called Audio Habitat. With nearly 30 years of service in
the 12v community, his passion for car audio is well known.
As a national sales manager at Maxxsonics, Bennett will create products and
opportunities for direct dealers and helping Maxxsonics distribution partners
grow and thrive. In addition, he will educate and train clients so they can
make the most out of using the company’s products. He will also help strengthen the reputation of all Maxxsonics brands.
BJ Leanse Announces His Retirement
BJ Leanse, national sales manager, Iddea California LLC; Big Country Truck Accessories & Go Rhino Products, has announced his retirement. He was a past SEMA Board member (2008–2011), past chair of the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) [2005–2008] and was a member of the PRO select committee (2019–2020).
AWE Announces Sales Team Promotions
AWE has promoted Michael “Dragon” Johnston to the position of key accounts manager and Skye Cartwright to account representative. Johnston, who specializes in modern muscle, sport compact, and European and exotic markets, has been with AWE for three years. He will focus on a group of key accounts in his new position, plus grow and add relationships. Cartwright, meanwhile, joined AWE in May 2021 as sales coordinator. In his new position, he will work with AWE’s dealer network.
Eleven Engineering and ACI Announce New Alliance
Eleven Engineering Inc. has announced a new design and development Value Added Partner (VAP) alliance with Los Angeles-based Audio Components International Inc. (ACI). The VAP agreement creates a resource for both ACI and Eleven’s customer bases for new-product development and design of various wireless audio products utilizing Eleven Engineering’s high-performance wireless audio semiconductors and SKAA technology.
ACI serves major consumer electronics brands with design and develop expertise for loudspeaker products using decades of vast experience in acoustical, mechanical and electrical engineering. ACI works to increase a customer’s capacity and productivity while seamlessly integrating with the customer’s sales, engineering and quality teams.
AAM Group Promotes John DeBalso and David Ayers
The AAM Group has announced the promotion of two senior employees. John DeBalso has been named executive vice president of supplier relations, while David Ayers is now vice president of operations.
DeBalso, who has been with AAM for 16 years and is a former CAN board of directors member, will continue to lead AAM’s purchasing, compliance, and supplier-relations efforts.
Ayers, previously AAM’s director of marketing and current SEMA TORA select committee member, will concentrate on strategic marketing and technology projects and other operational priorities. Andy Stacy, who was recently promoted to marketing manager, will assume oversight of AAM’s day-to-day marketing activities.
Power Automedia Tabs Lloyd Hunt for Chief Revenue Officer Role; Ivan Korda Promoted to Senior Director of Business Development
After three years in his role as Power Automedia’s senior director of business development, Lloyd Hunt has been promoted to chief revenue officer. In his new role, Hunt will be responsible for all sales and customer relationships working alongside Ivan Korda, who is set up to succeed him as the new senior director of business development. Korda and Hunt will be the guiding hands for nurturing Power Automedia's expanding client base.
In his previous role as senior director of business development, Hunt successfully increased revenue through new business development and client acquisition. He also played a key role in expanding Power Automedia’s reach into new markets—leading and developing sales strategies in the ever-changing marketplace of the automotive aftermarket media landscape.
Both Hunt and Korda have developed powerful relationships through servicing clients, helping them craft digital marketing strategies through Power Automedia’s various channels of video production, editorial and social media. Hunt’s experience in sales, business development and management will be pivotal in his new role as chief revenue officer, while Korda’s skills in developing relationships and business strategies will help him excel as senior director of business development.
GEN-Y Hitch Partners with R&R Marketing Consultants Throughout North American Territories
GEN-Y Hitch is the latest brand to retain the sales and marketing services of R&R Marketing Consultants Inc.
R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. (RRMCI) has been chosen by GEN-Y Hitch to provide sales and marketing services throughout the United States and Canada, the firm has announced. RRMCI will represent GEN-Y Hitch’s entire lineup including the MEGA-DUTY, The BOSS, Aluminum Loading Ramps, accessories and more. GEN-Y Hitch is the latest brand to retain the sales and marketing services of R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. The Kansas City-based firm has earned six SEMA Representative of the Year Awards for their work in the automotive aftermarket.
Chevrolet Performance Continues Support of Custom Car Builders at Goodguys Events Through 2024
Each show season, Goodguys and Chevrolet Performance will recognize two professional builders with the top performance-built GM and GM-powered vehicles.
Goodguys has announced the extension of a deal with General Motors to present the Chevrolet Performance GM Iron Builder of the Year and the Chevrolet Performance Retro Iron Builder of the Year awards through the 2024 show calendar. Each show season, Goodguys and Chevrolet Performance will recognize two professional builders with the top performance-built GM and GM-powered vehicles. Winners in each category will receive a Chevrolet Performance Connect & Cruise powertrain system.
Finalists for these awards will be chosen at each Goodguys show before selecting overall winners at the end of the season. The winning builders will be awarded an engine and transmission package with a value of $31,218 (GM Iron) and $21,349 (Retro Iron). The award-winning vehicles will be displayed at the Goodguys season finale event, the Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals in Scottsdale, Arizona, and featured in Goodguys’ print and digital media outlets. For more information about the Goodguys Chevrolet Performance Builder of the Year awards and other Goodguys Rod & Custom Association events and programs, visit www.good-guys.com.
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