Sumitomo Rubber North America Promotes Zimmerman to Director of OE

Sumitomo Rubber North America, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, has promoted Rick Zimmerman to director of original equipment for both four-wheel and two-wheel businesses.

Zimmerman, an avid automotive and motorcycle enthusiast, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance from the University of Akron. He’s been with SRNA since February 2013, focusing his time on motorcycle OE throughout the entirety of his tenure.

“I enjoy working with OEMs to provide tire solutions for their future vehicle requirements,” said Zimmerman. “Having spent the past 20 years working in various roles with OE customers provides a broad range of experience to draw from as I start this new opportunity.”

Mike Buckley, senior vice president of Dunlop motorcycle tires sales and marketing, said “While on the surface it seems like an overwhelming expansion of responsibilities, I am confident that Rick will be fully capable of handling this based on the outstanding job he has done with the two-wheel OE business throughout his tenure with us.”

 “His commitment to serving SRNA’s OE customers over the years has given us complete confidence that he will thrive in this new position,” said Darren Thomas, SRNA’s CEO and president.

Walter Surface Technologies Announces New Safety Sales Director

Walter Surface Technologies has appointed Jean-Marie Maayoufi as safety sales director of its safety division and he will be leading sales for the Allegro Industries brand.

In this role, Maayoufi will lead Allegro’s safety specialists in North America toward growth, the company said. He will be working closely with both the Walter and Allegro sales teams as Walter continues its mission to promote the Allegro brand across North America.

Maayoufi will support the sales team through enhanced training and marketing programs in addition to continuing to help customers work better by keeping them safe.

“Jean-Marie brings with him over 30 years of sales experience growing the Walter brand in both Canada and the United States. We are thrilled to see him take on this new challenge to replicate success for our safety division,” says Mark Wilcox, President, US sales, Walter Surface Technologies.