May 2019

64 AFTERMARKET MAY 2019 RECRUITMENT www.aftermarketonline.net The latest news on who is moving in the industry NEW APPOINTMENTS Return of the native: NGK appoints first European Regional President NGK Spark Plug’s Senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Damien Germès, has been promoted to Regional President EMEA, President and CEO NGK Spark Plug Europe GmbH and Corporate Officer of the Global Headquarters – making him the first native European to hold these three top roles for the Japanese company. Damien Germès succeeds Masaki Sumiya, who is returning to NGK’s headquarters in Nagoya, Japan. Masaki Sumiya said: “Since joining our company, Damien has successfully grown our aftermarket business and further developed our operations. We are proud to see him become the first native European to take over the full responsibility for both the EMEA region and our German subsidiary, and to be selected for such a senior corporate role.” Damien also becomes responsible for the company’s automotive OE and aftermarket businesses, as well as NTK Cutting Tools in the EMEA region. Damien Germès said: “It is my strong intention to continue our ongoing innovations and strategic investments; seizing the challenges of transformation within the automotive sector, including new technologies and digitisation opportunities. I am looking forward to an exciting time ahead.” GiPA: New CEO Automotive aftermarket intelligence provider GiPA has named Fernando Lopez as its new Chief Executive Officer. Fernando, who is also General Manager for GiPA Spain, is now responsible for all countries where GiPA has a presence. In the role he is overseeing three commercial departments– America, EMEA, and Asia – and steering growth with the assistance of local General Managers. Fernando joined the GiPA group 14 years ago after having spent his entire career in the automotive aftermarket, which has included working at Tenneco, Valeo and Schaeffler. GiPA Group President Eric Devos said: “The appointment of Fernando Lopez as GiPA Chief Executive Officer is an important step to scale our international business to the next level and boost the GiPA Group's growth in the coming years.” www.aftermarketonline.net MWD/WAI make room for Steve Martin Marathon Warehouse Distribution and WAIglobal have jointly appointed Steve Martin as Business Development Director. Steve has been in the industry for more than 30 years, working for Firstline, Veco, Juratek and more recently Rolling Components. In his new role, he is tasked with further developing the growth of the Marathon business. He will also support WAI. Commenting on his new role, Steve said: “The opportunities for Marathon as an independent national warehouse distributor in an ever-changing market are enormous and I’m extremely excited by the opportunity to be part of their impressive growth and plans for the future. “WAI is a brand with deep roots in the automotive aftermarket and is highly regarded for its forward- thinking approach. My expertise in this product group and relationships with customers will ensure the brand cements its position in the trade.” Richard Welland, WAIglobal UK Managing Director, said: “Steve is well-respected, knowledgeable and we’re delighted to have him on board to open up new opportunities for the WAI brand.” Welcome to Aftermarket’s new appointments section. Here you can find the latest news on those moving around the industry as well as new vacancies from leading companies and recruitment agencies on the automotive market. If you have a vacancy to share, email Alex Wells at: alex@aftermarket.co.uk