Aftermarket November 2022

64 AFTERMARKET NOVEMBER 2022 RECRUITMENT www.aftermarketonline.net The latest news on who is moving in the industry NEW APPOINTMENTS New Sales Director for SMP Europe announced SMP Europe has appointed Brian Lavery as Sales Director, who brings over 25 years’ experience in automotive, engineering and product development with him. Commenting on his new role, Brian said: “As one of the leading engine management development companies, I’m looking forward to delivering excellence in customer service and support and providing high-end products that meet the needs of the automotive aftermarket.” SMP Europe M.D Ross Toomey added: “Brian’s experience in the automotive sector means he is an excellent addition to the SMP Europe team, as the company continues to evolve with further investment. Brian will work closely with our sales, engineering and product teams to launch new products and communicate the benefits of SMP Europe’s extensive engineering program to our customers.” New hire for NGK NGK has named Simon Robson as Key Accounts Manager – UK and Ireland. Immediately prior to joining, he was OEM and Aftermarket Manager at NSK, and has more than 25 years’ experience in the automotive industry. Simon said: “I am delighted to join NGK which is a very strong brand in the automotive aftermarket. It is a company that is renowned for the quality of its products and its customer service. I have got to know some of the staff through my previous roles in the industry and I have also dealt with many of their customers who I am now looking forward to meeting up with once again over the coming weeks.” Peter Hayden, General Manager – Sales & Marketing at NGK Spark Plugs (UK) added: “I am very pleased to welcome Simon to NGK. I am sure that with his extensive experience of the automotive aftermarket he will prove to be a great asset to the company.” 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 Changing of the guard at LKQ A new CEO and M.D for LKQ Europe has been appointed. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Varun Laroyia is taking on the role. He succeeds Arnd Franz who is leaving to join Mahle as CEO, where he spent 18 years prior to joining LKQ Europe. Commenting on his promotion, Varun Laroyia said: “I am excited by the opportunity to take on the role of CEO of LKQ Europe and lead the largest distributor of automotive mechanical parts in Europe.” LKQ Corporation President and CEO Dominick Zarcone said: “With his tremendous leadership and knowledge of the company and our European markets, I am thrilled that Varun is taking this role.” Andy Hamilton, CEO of LKQ Euro Car Parts in the UK and Republic of Ireland, added: “Our efforts to integrate our UK, Irish and European businesses over the past couple of years have made us stronger – and in doing so, we’re making our customers stronger too. We continue to be committed to offering a market- leading customer experience, and I look forward to building on this with Varun and the European team.”