July/August 2021

JULY/AUGUST 2021 AFTERMARKET 65 EYEBROW www.aftermarketonline.net Autotech Academy’s National Careers Manager Dave Walker has become the 100th ambassador for School of Thought, an organisation that works to raise the profile of the automotive aftermarket within schools and colleges. Commenting on his new role, Dave Walker said: “The automotive industry vitally needs to attract students from a young age, to not only demonstrate the varied careers available, but the exciting evolution of the sector. While Autotech Academy was created to provide intern opportunities within the automotive aftermarket for college leavers, School of Thought is working to attract young people onto these college courses. Working together as ambassadors we are, effectively, closing the loop.” The organisation was co-founded by Dave Reece, Training Manager for Vizion, who added: “We are proud to have Autotech Academy on board. We will be working with Dave Walker and the team in colleges and with employers. With so many synergies between the brands we are confident that, between us, we can make a real difference.” DRiV names new EMEA head Tenneco has named Audrey Harling as Group Vice President and General Manager, DRiV Motorparts, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Audrey joined Tenneco in 2016, moving over to the North America Motorparts aftermarket team as Head of the Global Aftermarket Emission Control business in 2019 after three years as Vice President, Ford customer business unit for the company’s OE Clean Air business group in North America. Prior to joining Tenneco, Audrey worked for Valeo Thermal Systems, and spent 10 years at Behr Commenting on Audrey’s appointment, Scott Usitalo, Executive Vice President, President Tenneco Motorparts, said: “Audrey has successfully run our Emission business in North America, and I am thrilled that she will now oversee our Aftermarket team in EMEA. She brings her unique talent, expertise and leadership to our strong EMEA team as we continue to deliver on our commitment to helping customers consolidate their supply base through one-stop- shop coverage with the right portfolio of products, the right positioning and branding based on data-driven understanding of demand.” Ambassador role for Autotech Academy Manager GEA: New board members Two new members have been appointed to the GEA board. Tracy Lewis, General Manager at Premier Diagnostics and Jason Upton from Bullworthy were both welcomed by GEA President Chris Hodder to the board at the AGM held earlier this year. Commenting on the appointments, GEA Chief Executive Julian Woods said: “We are very pleased that they have accepted their positions and look forward to working with them. Tracy who has over 25 years’ experience in the automotive industry will be the first Female board member for the GEA and in time will also become the first Female President.” Julian added: “I very much look forward to having some new members of the board and the diversity this will bring with it.”