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Movers and Shakers: SEMA Hires Denise Waddingham as Council Director; Melling Acquires Performance Springs UK Ltd.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Denise Waddingham
Denise Waddingham

SEMA Hires Denise Waddingham as Council Director

Denise Waddingham will start as SEMA council director, effective April 13. She joins SEMA after nearly 15 years with DeeZee based in Des Moines, Iowa. “We are excited to bring Denise aboard,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “She has a tremendous amount of industry knowledge, and will bring an ability to create great partnerships with our volunteer leaders and community.”

"I am super excited to join the SEMA team to continue my passion for this industry and look forward to developing meaningful programs to promote exceptional relationships between member companies and the association," Waddingham said.

Derive Systems Appoints John Oechsle as Chief Executive Officer

B2B and B2C automotive technology provider Derive Systems announced that the company’s board of directors has appointed H. John Oechsle to the position of chief executive officer. Oechsle, a consumer and capital market veteran, has more than 30 years of experience with product development has led to many successful product lines in the technology and e-business market segments. Before joining Derive, Oechsle spent more than seven years as the president, and CEO of Swiftpage, a computer software company specializing in customizable CRM and marketing automation solutions that drive lower-cost-customer acquisition and retention.

H&S
Steve Darnell of Welder Up has been named the official brand ambassador for H&S Autoshot.

H&S Partners With Steve Darnell of Welder Up

H&S Autoshot has announced a partnership with Steve Darnell of Welder Up (famous for “Vegas Rat Rods” on the Discovery Channel) for their welding and plasma cutting products. This partnership confirms Darnell as H&S Autoshot’s official brand ambassador. Darnell is the creative mastermind behind the motorized works of art that emerge from the WelderUp shop.

Melling Acquires Performance Springs UK Ltd.

Melling Engine Parts CEO Mark Melling has announced the acquisition of Performance Springs UK Ltd. based in Blackpool, England. Performance Springs specializes in the design and manufacturing of springs for the automotive and industrial sectors. Recently, Performance started supplying Melling its aftermarket needs from its 20,000-sq.-ft. facility. The new company will be renamed to Melling Performance Springs Limited and all managment and sales staff are staying with the company.

Transtar Industries Inc. Names David Haynes Vice President of U.S. Domestic Distribution

Transtar Industries Inc. has announced it has named David Haynes as vice president of U.S. domestic distribution. Haynes is based in Cleveland and reports to Tim Bowes, president and CEO. Haynes brings a significant track record in leading corporate strategic growth initiatives, according to the company, and joins Transtar from Honeywell International, where he served as vice president of marketing for its Novar and Inncom building automation and energy management divisions. Prior to Honeywell, Haynes held executive-level marketing and sales roles in manufacturing, software and telecommunications. He served as executive vice president for Fabcon, a California contract manufacturer; co-founder and vice president of sales and marketing for a California wireless software start-up and consulted for Deloitte & Touche.

American Powertrain Announces the Addition of Yukon Gear & Axle Sets to Product Lineup

American Powertrain now offers a full line of Yukon Gear & Axle drivetrain parts for most popular makes and models for Ford, GM and Chrysler. Additional Yukon offerings include Over-haul kits, Trac-Loc and Duragrip positraction products, along with USA Standard Gear Powr Loc Positraction for Chrysler.

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