Schaeffler creates new Sales Manager role
Published: 02 July, 2021
Martin Klein has been named as Schaeffler’s first Sales Manager for Central Europe, Middle East and Africa, and is responsible for activities in 44 countries. He will also take over the from Stefan Knaack, Vice President Global Key Account Management Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket, who has been responsible for the Western Europe region, which includes Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Benelux countries.
Previously, Martin was Managing Director and Executive Vice President for the Euro-Russia business units at MOTUL. In his new role, he reports directly to Sascha Lechner, President Automotive Aftermarket EMEA.
Martin observed "Our goal is to provide our customers with the best support possible when facing upcoming challenges such as technological change and digitisation. Therefore, we are intensifying our collaboration with our customers to understand their respective requirements and needs even better and to derive tailored solutions.”
Commenting on Martin’s appointment to the new role, Michael Soeding, CEO Automotive Aftermarket at Schaeffler said: "The aftermarket ecosystem is evolving rapidly. It is therefore even more important for us to position ourselves in a future-oriented way in order to secure our leading position in the aftermarket.
Sascha Lechner, President Automotive Aftermarket EMEA, added: “With Martin Klein, we have gained an internationally experienced and customer-oriented sales manager who will lead our business in an even more focused and efficient way.”
- New Area Sales Manager for TMD Friction
Jake Prout has been appointed as TMD Friction’s new Area Sales Manager for the South West.
- IAAF Academy launched
The IAAF has launched a new training offering; IAAF Academy. Commenting on the new IAAF Academy, IAAF CEO Mark Field said: “From virtual to practical training, the IAAF Academy will cover all areas of an automotive aftermarket business, helping companies and their teams learn and familiarise themselves with new technology and legislation, while also enhancing personal development skills.
The Academy will also look to work closely with schools, colleges and universities, and in collaboration with School of Thought, the not-for-profit organisation that works to raise the profile of the automotive aftermarket within schools and colleges. As part of the venture, the IAAF has set up partnerships with Heart of Worcestershire College, West Notts College, and East Coast College.
- New CEO at GiPA Group
Automotive aftermarket intelligence provider GiPA Group has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer. Almudena Benedito has been named as the new CEO, replacing Eric Devos, who remains GiPA Group President. Immediately prior to joining GiPA, Almudena was EMEA Marketing Director at Tenneco/Federal-Mogul, a role she had held since 2012. Before that, she held multiple positions at Delphi Technologies and Matra Automobile. She started her career at Bosch 1994.
- New names at MAHLE
A pair of new appointments have been made at MAHLE Aftermarket UK. Jason Smith has been named as UK Sales and Marketing Manager. He joined from Ring Automotive, and has 25 years overall sector experience from his career with companies such as Exide and DENSO. Commenting on his new role, he said: “The opportunity to join such a brand like MAHLE was a huge factor in joining the team.”
- Craig McCracken named as new IAAF president
Craig McCracken, Group Factor Manager at Arnold Clark Autoparts has been enthroned as the new President of the IAAF.
