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AirSept announced the addition of Marion Parkes as the company’s new procurement manager. Parkes is responsible for both direct and indirect strategic sourcing strategies and processes and will oversee the establishment of best practices for procure-to-pay processes for all transactions. She also manages all vendor relationships and contractual KPIs and metrics to ensure that product pricing, discounts and rebates are properly applied. She is based at AirSept’s corporate headquarters in Atlanta.
The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) announced the addition of Scott Kaboos to the newly created position of principal, OEM technical lead. He will also serve as a collision-repair subject matter expert. Kaboos joins I-CAR following several years with American Honda Motor, where he led the development of Honda’s collision repair technical and training programs. Kaboos’ responsibilities will involve further building I-CAR’s technical collaboration with all OE vehicle manufacturers.
Torqued Distribution announced that Alessandra “Ali” Holmes joined the company in a senior sales role. Holmes previously was with Turn 14 Distribution for more than six years, based in Horsham, Pennsylvania. She held various positions, including senior sales specialist (European), new account sales specialist, and senior customer service representative.
Hitachi Astemo Americas Inc. announced that Gary Plover has been appointed vice president of its Americas Aftermarket Business Division. As vice president, Plover now leads one of the company’s fastest-growing business segments, which includes more than four locations across North and South America, with a team of nearly 100 employees. Plover comes to his new position with 25 years of both national and international sales experience within the automotive aftermarket.
The AAM Group announced the promotion of two senior employees. John DeBalso (left) has been named executive vice president of supplier relations, while David Ayers (right) is now vice president of operations. DeBalso will continue to lead AAM’s purchasing, compliance and supplier-relations efforts. Ayers 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.
Chris Bennett 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. As a national sales manager at Maxxsonics, Bennett will create products and opportunities for direct dealers and help Maxxsonics distribution partners grow and thrive.
BJ Leanse, national sales manager for IDDEA California LLC, Big Country Truck Accessories and Go Rhino Products, announced his retirement. He was a past SEMA Board member (2008–2011), a past chair of the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (2005–2008), and was a member of the PRO select committee (2019–2020).
Brian Rowland has been appointed CEO of Jegs High Performance Parts, the aftermarket auto parts mail-order retailer. In his new position, Rowland will, among other duties, help oversee the company, which features a 10,000-sq.-ft. retail store and a 225,000-sq.-ft. warehouse as well as corporate headquarters in Delaware, Ohio.
AWE, an engineering and manufacturing firm, promoted Michael “Dragon” Johnston to the position of key accounts manager, and Skye Cartwright to account representative. Johnston will focus on a group of key accounts in his new position, as well as growing and adding relationships. Cartwright will work with AWE’s dealer network.
After three years in his role as Power Automedia’s senior director of business development, Lloyd Hunt (left) has been promoted to chief revenue officer. In his new role, Hunt will be responsible for all sales and customer relationships and will work alongside Ivan Korda, who is set 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.
Meyer Distributing Inc. announced the expansion of its distribution hub in Orlando, Florida. The expanded inventory hub will contain full coverage of automotive, RV and marine accessories and replacement parts as well as outdoor lifestyle, janitorial/sanitation and industrial products to all of Florida and Southeast Georgia.
Team Allied Distribution announced the acquisition of Indy Exhaust Products in Indianapolis. Indy Exhaust Products specializes in the distribution of automotive exhaust and radiator components, including mufflers, pipes, exhaust tips, catalytic converters, hydraulic pipe benders, tools, accessories and more. Its distribution network covers Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky.
