By SEMA News Editors
CTEK Appoints Steve Hayes to Lead North American Operations
CTEK, the provider in battery charging solutions based in Chicago, has announced the appointment of Steve Hayes as head of North American Operations. He will be tasked to spearhead the company's growth and market development initiatives across the United States. and Canada.
"Steve's extensive experience in the automotive sector and proven ability to drive market growth makes him the ideal leader for our North American operations," said Fredrik Uhrbom, CTEK president of Consumer Division. "His strategic vision and deep understanding of the American market will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence and bring innovative charging solutions to more customers across the region."
Hayes brings more than two decades of automotive and outdoor industry expertise to CTEK, most recently serving as managing director for Front Runner Outfitters/Dometic.
For more information about CTEK, visit ctek.com.
Cummins Announces Retirement of Sharon Barner, Chief Administrative Officer
Cummins has announced that Chief Administrative Officer Sharon Barner will retire, effective May 31, following an extraordinary career and 13 years of committed service to Cummins.
"Sharon is not only a renowned legal expert and business leader in intellectual property, risk management and environmental and regulatory affairs, she is also a model of courage, integrity and strong leadership," said Jennifer Rumsey, chair and CEO of Cummins Inc. "She embodies our values, always lifting others up as she climbs, creating nurturing environments where everyone can thrive and passionately advocating in our communities."
Barner's career has spanned both the private and public sectors. Prior to joining Cummins, Barner spent 27 years at private practice law firms, many of which in leadership positions, where she focused primarily on intellectual property law. Barner then served in the U.S. Department of Commerce as Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. She joined Cummins in 2012, serving first as vice president and general counsel, eventually adding interim chief human resources officer and corporate secretary to her responsibilities, before becoming chief administrative officer in 2021.
In related Cummins news, the power solutions provider has announced DNV approval in principle (AIP) for its methanol-ready QSK60 IMO II and IMO III engines, available from 2,000 to 2,700 hp.
Following extensive field testing, Cummins plans to launch the retrofit kits post-2028 to align with market demand and infrastructure readiness. These kits will be particularly suited for diesel-electric systems that can be integrated with a battery, optimizing efficiency and sustainability.
For more information, visit the Cummins announcement here.
Trick-Tools Marks 30 Years of Excellence in Metal Fabrication
Trick-Tools.com, the provider of high-performance metal fabrication tools, marks its 30th anniversary in 2025. Founded in 1995, Trick-Tools has built a reputation for providing innovative, top-tier tools that help fabricators and builders achieve precision and efficiency in their work. From its humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name, Trick-Tools remains committed to equipping craftsmen, small businesses, and manufacturing facilities with the best tools available. Its website, Trick-Tools.com, hosts more than 20,000 products from more than 120 top brands in the metal fabrication industry.
"30 years is a testament to the trust and loyalty of our customers," said Bruce Van Sant, founder of Trick-Tools. "We've always been passionate about delivering the best and most innovative tools while helping fabricators succeed."
For more information, visit trick-tools.com.
SoCal Automotive Industry Members Invited to Car Show at San Clemente High School Auto Academy
The Auto Academy at San Clemente High School in San Clemente, California, will host a Meet the Industry & Car Show event on Saturday, April 19. Industry business members are encouraged to join the event. For more information, visit here or contact kntuckerking@capousd.org.