United Components Inc.’s (UCI) board of directors appointed Daniel Johnston as its new chief financial officer. Johnston, who will also serve as a member of the board, was previously vice president and chief financial officer of Solae LLC, a producer of soy-based food products. Prior to Solae, Johnston spent more than 10 years in senior financial and operational positions at United Industries Corp.
Delphi named Walter Guertler as its new sales director of its global Gas Engine Management Systems (EMS). Guertler replaces Gary Bertolini, who is retiring following his more than 37 years with GM/Delphi in engineering, operations and sales assignments. Guertler joins Delphi from Siemens VDO Automotive where he was a vice president and key account executive on the Chrysler account in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Larry Carter, president and CEO of Car-O-Liner North American Operations, announced that he will retire at the end of June after holding his leadership position for 17 years. He will remain as a director of the company’s board and as a senior advisor to Alignment Systems AB, the parent company of Car-O-Liner. Jeff Kern has been appointed managing director and president of the North American operations of Car-O-Liner Co. and Alignment Systems, and will succeed Carter effective July 1. Kern has held several senior positions within Hunter Engineering Co., most recently as director of OEM Programs and Detroit regional manager.
Ex Goodyear North American Tire Group President Jon Rich was named president and CEO of Momentive Performance Materials Holdings Inc., formerly known as GE Silicones. Rich, who left Goodyear this past March, worked for GE Silicones from 1996–2000.
Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC worked with the team at Bigfoot, recognized as The Original Monster Truck, to develop a new look for America’s first rolling car crusher. Boasting the Firestone shield and a paint theme portraying the tradition of the Firestone brand, Bigfoot (pictured below) now carries the Tiresafety.com logo. Tiresafety.com is an informative website created by Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire to make tire and automotive safety information easily accessible to motorists via the Internet.
