Here are the latest hirings and promotions in the commercial vehicle industry for May 2023.
Stertil-Koni USA promotes new general manager
Heavy duty vehicle lift company Stertil-Koni USA has promoted Scott Steinhardt to the newly-created position of General Manager overseeing its sales, marketing, operations and service departments. Steinhardt joined Stertil-Koni in early 2022 as Vice President of Sales with a recent move to Vice President of Sales & Marketing. He has more than 27 years of industrial sales, marketing and management experience and holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Indiana State University.
"Whether it is embracing new technologies, championing new product development, building successful teams or winning competitive bids, Scott has demonstrated these attributes time and again," said Stertil-Koni president Dr. Jean DellAmore. "He has made a tremendous contribution to the growth of our company across multiple fronts in the relatively short period that he has been with Stertil-Koni."
ATRI appoints new member to Board of Directors
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has appointed Jim Burg to its Board of Directors. Burg was an owner-operator for eight years before incorporating and licensing his company, James Burg Trucking Company, a flatbed carrier with over 90 trucks throughout the Midwest. Beginning his career in trucking over 40 years ago, Burg has logged over 1.3 million miles operating CVs along with countless hours on innovative truck and trailer design with the goal of achieving the most efficient flatbed equipment in the industry. While serving on numerous committees and boards of the American Trucking Associations, PrePass Safety Alliance, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and the Michigan State Police, he was the 2010 recipient of Heavy Duty Trucking magazine’s Innovator of the Year award and the 2016 Michigan State Police Distinguished Partner award.
"Jim has been a loyal supporter of ATRI and we are excited to welcome him to the Board of Directors," ATRI Chair Derek Leathers said. "As a regional carrier, he brings an important perspective to the Board and we look forward to his involvement as we continue to address trucking’s top research priorities."
Mack Trucks names president, member of Volvo Group Executive Board
Mack Trucks has named Stephen Roy their president and also a new member of Volvo Group's Executive Board. Roy began his Volvo Group career in 1996, holding several senior positions within the company, including Mack Trucks and the Group's North American truck organization. He's currently the Head of Region North America, Volvo Construction Equipment. Roy earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Georgia, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Wake Forest University. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), and chairs AEM’s Construction Equipment sector board.
His new role as president is official June 1, 2023.
New Chief Digital Officer joins Omni Logistics
Technology-driven logistics provider Omni Logistics has called on Paul Gaffney as the company's chief digital officer. Gaffney has three decades of experience with senior leadership roles in supply chain and technology including Kohl's Chief Technology and Staff Chain Officer; Dick's Sporting Goods Chief Technology Officer; Staples, Inc. EVP, Supply Chain and CIO; and The Home Depot Senior VP. He has developed industry leading software, including patented multiple solutions. Gaffney is a 2009 Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute. Gaffney still serves as a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network and volunteers as a moderator for the institute’s executive leadership seminars.
“We are honored to have Paul Gaffney join the Omni Logistics leadership team. Paul is a key component in our vision to scale the company and deepen our relationships with customers and providers,” said JJ Schickel, Omni Logistics CEO. “In a technology driven world, we are passionate about having someone who brings supply chain and technology expertise to the platforms and solutions that can further differentiate Omni’s position as a leader in the logistics industry.”
Truck System Technologies names VP of Sales
Truck Systems Technologies, offering Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, has promoted Michael Benson to VP of Sales. Benson joined TST in April 2017 and held the position of national sales manager before his promotion.
"Mike’s years of dedication to bringing quality TPMS to the RV Industry has been instrumental in making TST the RV industry leader in OEM installed and aftermarket TPMS," said Bear Musgrave, president of TST.
Merchants Fleet gets new Senior VP of Fleet Sales and Strategic Solutions
Fleet management company Merchants Fleet has hired Brad Burgess as their senior VP of fleet sales and strategic solutions. With more than two decades of experience in selling B2B service solutions to Fortune 500-1000 companies, he's served as an individual sales contributor, regional, and national sales leader. Before joining Merchants, Burgess served as VP of commercial operations, marketing, and global relationships at Element Fleet Management, where he developed an understanding of the rapidly evolving fleet market.
“We are excited to welcome Brad to the team. His industry experience, passion for clients and dynamic leadership ensure continued innovation and growth for our teams," said Merchant’s Chairman, CEO and President Brendan P. Keegan. “We look forward to working together on strengthening our strategic solutions and market position to keep our clients at the forefront of fleet."
LogChain welcomes new member to its Board of Advisors
Supply chain management company, LogChain, appointed Karen Wentworth to its Board of Advisors. The company said Wentworth brings with her extensive experience in international logistics and will provide strategic direction of the business across sales, marketing, and product development as an independent advisor.
"Karen Wentworth is a visionary leader with an exceptional track record in the logistics and technology infrastructure sectors, including in the area of high-risk and high-value goods," said Andrew McKeown, CEO of LogChain. "As we continue to transform the supply chain industry, Karen's appointment to our Board of Advisors marks a pivotal moment in our journey. Her vast operational and commercial experience and expertise will be invaluable as we drive innovation, streamline logistics processes and deliver exceptional value to our clients.”
Krone sales team grows with two appointments
Dan Edwards joins Krone Trailer UK, daughter company of Krone Commercial Vehicle Group, as Area Sales Manager, Northeast and Northeast Scotland. With 27 years spanning national and technical sales roles - 11 in trailers and 16 in trailer running gear - the company said he brings a wealth of trailer product experience.
Rob Morris also joins Krone Trailer UK, as Area Sales Manager, East Midlands and East Anglia, bringing 37 years’ experience in the CV industry. He started out as a CV workshop technician and then moved into sales positions, predominantly in truck and trailer contract hire. The company said he's well versed in both OEM sales and asset management.
“We’re delighted to welcome Rob and Dan to the team” says Managing Director, Fran Pickering. “Their extensive experience and knowledge of the CV transport industry will prove invaluable, as Krone continues to go from strength to strength in the UK and Ireland.”
Double Coin appoints Regional VP of Sales
Tire manufacturer Double Coin has created a new role naming Gino Tagliaferri as Regional VP of Sales. He'll be responsible for overseeing sales operations and driving business in the western U.S. Beginning his career in 2001 handling market and development sales, he then spent eight years at American Pacific Industries in various roles including Major Account Manager and Western Region Sales Manager. In 2013, he moved to Tires Warehouse Inc. then later took on the role of Manager of Commercial Sales and Marketing after their acquisition by US Auto Force in 2017.
"We are thrilled to have Gino join our team in a leadership role," said Aaron Murphy, Double Coin’s senior vice president. "His proven track record in sales and business development, strong leadership skills and understanding of the supply chain mechanics make him an invaluable addition to our organization. We look forward to seeing him lead our sales team to new heights and achieve our strategic objectives."
Fontaine Modification names Central Region Sales Manager
Fontaine Modification Medium & Heavy Truck Operations named Tim Vitt as their central region sales manager. Together with Carlos Francisco, western region sales manager, and Kevin Campbell, eastern region sales manager, Vitt will help manage sales activities for their post-production truck services in North America. He has more than 20 years experience in the trucking industry, including roles with Kenworth Truck Co. and Cummins Inc. In 2013, he became central region service manager at Kenworth where he led all service support for 55 truck dealers and multiple large fleet customers spanning Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Vitt earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive & diesel technology, from Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas.
“Tim knows the trucking industry through and through and understands the importance of building interconnected business relationships among OEMs, truck dealers, and larger fleet operations,” says Jamil Young, Fontaine Modification Medium & Heavy Truck Operations president. “He is a solid addition to our team, and I know our customers will appreciate his insight.”
Kodiak hires former Apple, GM safety exec as VP of Safety
Self-driving truck company Kodiak Robotics, Inc. has hired Steve Kenner as Vice President of Safety. He'll oversee safety across all areas of Kodiak’s operations, including fleet and driver operations, safety management systems, and safety policy. He comes with 40 years experience from industry giants including Apple, Uber, Ford, General Motors, and more. Kenner earned an MBA from Stanford University, and graduated from Kettering University magna cum laude with a B.S. in mechanical engineering.
“Steve has long been a leader in vehicle safety, and has the perfect background to lead Kodiak’s safety program as we finish the work to commercially launch self-driving trucks,” said Don Burnette, Founder and CEO, Kodiak Robotics. “Safety is at the forefront of everything we do at Kodiak, and is central to everyone on our team. Steve will leverage his extensive knowledge to ensure that safety continues to be the throughline across Kodiak.”
Isuzu creates EV strategies director position, appoints two assistant VPs
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America has created a new position naming Matt Mesick as Director of EV Strategies along with the promotions of Brian Tabel and Ed Crawford to Assistant Vice Presidents.
The creation of Mesick's role comes two months after the company announced that its first all-electric truck for the U.S. and Canadian markets will begin production late in 2024. Mesick has been with Isuzu Commercial Truck of America for eleven years with service and sales positions, most recently serving as Director of Western Regional Operations.
“As electric vehicles will play an ever-increasing role in our future, having resources focused 100 percent in this area is necessary for our organization to support everyone’s efforts properly,” said Shaun C. Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada. “This all-new position will focus on EV growth and supporting our dealers with necessary information concerning EV regulations, trends, subsidies and more.”
Ed Crawford, who has been with Isuzu for over 24 years, is promoted to the role of Assistant Vice President of Sales Operations, with a focus on the areas of production, distribution, and sales-related activities.
Brian Tabel is promoted to the role of Assistant Vice President of Marketing. He has led the marketing team for 14 years in this total of 28 years with Isuzu. He became the first representative of an import chassis brand to be appointed to the board of NTEA, the association for the work truck industry.
“I strongly believe Isuzu has never been in a better position in the medium-duty marketplace and we will continue to look for ways to better serve our dealers and customers,” Skinner said. “These changes will put us all in a prime position for success now and in the future.”
