 New Petersen Automotive Chief Marketing Officer Museum Adam Langsbard will handle all marketing operations for the establishment. | |
Adam Langsbard Named Chief Marketing Officer for Petersen Museum
The Petersen Automotive Museum has selected Adam Langsbard as its chief marketing officer. He is responsible for all marketing operations, including sponsorships and partnerships, advertising, creative direction, public relations and digital media. “Adam’s experience in entertainment, interactive and advertising industries and his innate ability to find long-term partners will help the museum tell the stories of the people and machines that have changed the world,” said Petersen Executive Director Terry Karges. Langsbard’s background includes director and vice president roles at agencies and studios such as Sony, Paramount, New Line Cinema and 20th Century Fox. Most recently, Langsbard also helped the Petersen’s annual fundraising goal by establishing partnerships and branded sponsorships, including a new relationship with Jaguar. In late November, the museum will open a Jaguar-themed exhibit, “Automotive Icons Re-envisioned” in honor of the British luxury brand’s new F-TYPE sports car.
Prestolite Performance Renamed ACCEL Performance Group
As part of a rebranding strategy and growth initiative launched in 2012, Prestolite Performance has changed its name to ACCEL Performance Group. The original announcement was made at the company's press conference at the 2013 SEMA Show. According to the company, each of the brands manufactured by Prestolite Performance will continue to benefit from a host of marketing assets, however the Mr. Gasket and ACCEL brands will undergo significant identity and positioning overhauls with the focus of making them flagships of the group with clearer, separate target markets. ACCEL accommodates the performance-minded enthusiast with the latest ignition and fuel-system technologies, while Mr. Gasket will serve restorers and nostalgic hot-rod builders.
Murray Sullivan Named to Aftermarket Foundation's Executive Committee
The Aftermarket Foundation appointed existing board member Murray Sullivan—business development director for National Pronto Association—to the foundation's Executive Committee of the Board. Sullivan's experience in the automotive industry spans more than 30 years as a senior executive with APS Holding and Parts Pro Xpress. He has become an expert in our industry and has built relationships with customers, employees and colleagues across the industry on a foundation of trust, loyalty and mutual respect. Sullivan join colleagues Robert Hirsch, Chairman of Gold Eagle Co.; Larry Magee, CEO of Bridgestone Retail; Joe Mittleman, retired; John Nicholson, Auto Gard Triple P; Terry O'Reilly, CEO of Pricedex Software Inc.; and Don Schlenger, chairman emeritus of the Aftermarket Foundation.
 Human Resources Manager Melissa Orman was the first employee to be hired for Yokohama's Tire Manufacturing facility in West Point Mississippi. | |
New Yokohama Facility Hires First Employee
Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mississippi, a manufacturing subsidiary of Yokohama Tire Corp., announced that it hired its first employee: Human Resources Manager Melissa Orman. In her position, Orman is responsible for hiring personnel at the company's new commercial tire plant in West Point, Mississippi. Groundbreaking for the $300-million facility, which is set to open in October 2015, took place in September. “I look forward to joining the Yokohama Tire team in Mississippi and building another strong part of this great company,” said Orman, a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). She has a Bachelor of Accountancy and a Master of Professional Accountancy degree from MSU. Most recently, Orman was director of human resources at Navistar Defense in conjunction with Griffin Armor.
Omix-ADA Launches Program to Protect Use of Public Land
Omix-ADA announced the creation of the Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program at the company's Off Road Success Center during the 2013 SEMA Show. Through the new program and its Rugged Ridge Brand, to provide grants to non-profit organizations as a way of keeping recreational trails open on public land and advancing and protecting the off-road hobby. Following the announcement, Omix-ADA made an initial $50,000 donation to the program in support of organizations fighting for trail access. Beginning immediately, non-profit organizations can apply online for grants of up to $5,000 by visiting www.ruggedridge.com/trailaccess. Under the program, only one grant per year will be awarded to any given organization. Grants can be designated for use toward education, stewardship, litigation, or any other activity advocating the conservation of public land and access to recreational trails.
 Hypertherm National Automotive Spokesperson JoAnn Bortles provided plasma cutting demonstrations during the week at the 2013 SEMA Show. | |
JoAnn Bortles Visits Hypertherm Booth at SEMA Show
JoAnn Bortles, Hypertherm National Automotive Spokesperson, provided plasma cutting demonstrations during the week at the 2013 SEMA Show and entertained automotive media during The Great Gouge Off plasma cutting competition with her Hypertherm colleague, Michael VanVakaris. JoAnn fabricated her '67 Firebird on display at the Show with her Powermax45 plasma cutting system and provided attendees with gouging, spot welding and other tips and tricks for plasma in the automotive industry. JoAnn, owner of Crazy Horse Painting in Waxhaw, North Carolina, represents the automotive shop owner who can build a better and more efficient automotive business using a plasma cutting system. Bortles was also the first female to break into the motorcycle painting industry. Her other “firsts” include the following: first female with personal bike on the cover of Easyriders, first custom painter/fabricator featured in Southern Living, first female biker featured on NBC’s “TODAY Show” and first female painter featured on the cover of Motorcyle & Powersports News. She is a member of SEMA and is currently serving on the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network Select Committee.
Rampage Products Names Scott Johnson as Marketing Manager
Rampage Products has hired Scott Johnson as marketing manager. Johnson will focus on brand communication and managing and maintaining the company's critical marketing assets. Johnson can be reached by e-mail at scottj@rampageproducts.com or at 951-277-4949, ext. 213.
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