April 2019

APRIL 2019 AFTERMARKET 65 EYEBROW www.aftermarketonline.net The wheel turns at Bridgestone Bridgestone has strengthened its marketing teams in both its European head office and North Region, following both an internal promotion and a new appointment. After Stuart Attfield was promoted to the role of EMEA Consumer Brand Manager in Brussels, Sofie Bronserud will take up his former role as North Region Brand Manager, based in Warwick. In her new role, Sofie will manage the Bridgestone and Firestone brands across both the consumer and commercial sectors. At the same time, in his new role, Stuart will manage Bridgestone’s product communication, including 360° programmes for key product launches. Bridgestone’s North Region Marketing Manager Andy Mathias said: “We are excited to welcome Sofie to the team, where her industry experience and marketing expertise will be invaluable as we move ahead. We also wish Stuart the very best of luck in his new position in Brussels. He made a big impact during his time as North Region Brand Manager and was an influential force when stimulating interest around new products and campaigns.” www.aftermarketonline.net PPG promotion PPG Industries UK has appointed Mike Walsh as UK & Ireland Marketing Manager. Mike joined PPG in October 2000, starting his career as a Production Planner and moving through different roles in the Supply Chain and manufacturing divisions. In 2007 Mike moved into the UK Refinish Marketing team as Collision Product Manager and quickly assumed product management responsibility for all products. In 2010 he moved back into the Supply Chain division and then progressed onto the role of Plant Manager in Stowmarket. David Heal, Market Director, commented; “Mike brings a wealth of experience to the role, with strong product knowledge and a key understanding of our business and industry. The team are thrilled to have Mike on board and I have no doubt that he will excel and succeed in his new role”. Mike Walsh added; “I am extremely excited to be re-joining our successful Refinish business in the UK & Ireland and I am looking forward to meeting customers, old and new.” New MD at Morris Lubricants Morris Lubricants has named Chris Slezakowski as its new Managing Director, just in time for Morris Lubricants to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2019. Chris joined the business from the construction sector, having worked as a consultant with clients worldwide for 18 months. Prior to that he spent 11 years at SIG, rising from National Accounts Director to the leadership team at the £1.6 billion UK business. He advised government on housing strategy and offsite construction techniques and represented the company on a number of influential sector panels. Earlier in his career, he worked at pneumatic machinery company Atlas Copco for 10 years, rising from Junior Salesman to Country Manager for the UK. He then spent four years each at Hepworth Building Products – now Wavin – as Sales Director and Burdens as Group Commercial Director. Working at Morris Lubricants under the guidance of Executive Chairman Andrew Goddard, a fifth-generation direct family descendant of company founder James Kent Morris, Chris says he is relishing the opportunity: “This is a tremendous company,” said Chris. “It’s very rare to find a company that is celebrating 150 years of trading. That gives me a feeling of longevity and investment in its workers and, after working for a number of global companies, it’s great to feel part of a business that is firmly established in the local community. “We have a number of new products to launch, new ways to reach our customers and some cutting-edge technology to keep us ahead in our sector. Who wouldn’t want to join a successful business with longevity and security that wants to be better?” He added: “I have not been brought in to keep things the same, but change should be gradual, positive and beneficial.” PCL announce Sales Director Pneumatic Components (PCL), has appointed Lee Wright as Sales Director to drive growth within its distribution business. Lee brings over 25 years’ experience to PCL, having held director-level positions across sales, marketing and commercial functions within B2B industrial businesses, and building up a significant amount of export expertise. Lee will spearhead the growth and development of the distribution arm of PCL introducing an e-commerce platform for distributors that will bring substantial benefits including real- time stock availability and pricing information as well as other initiatives. Simon Shorter, Sales Director at PCL, said: “Lee’s proven track record, strong understanding of our markets, and invaluable export experience means he is well placed to deliver growth in this pivotal role.”