Jan. 26, 2017–VIPAR Heavy Duty president Chris Baer announced on Tuesday his new leadership team and the promotion of three team members at a news conference during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) 2017.
Baer named Larry Griffin, vice president of program management, Andrei Katibnikov, vice president of information technology and Jeff Paul, vice president of marketing. All three had previously served as directors within the organization. Baer also announced that Griffin, Katibnikov, Paul and Jim Pennig, vice president of business development, have been named to the organization’s new executive management team.
Griffin joined VIPAR Heavy Duty in 2012 and is responsible for directing the activities of the organization’s program management team that oversees all supplier relationships.
Katibnikov is responsible for all IT solutions including infrastructure design and technology, and information systems strategies. Before joining VIPAR Heavy Duty in 2016, Katibnikov had served in an advisory role within the organization helping develop and provide support for the company’s information technology infrastructure.
Paul has been with VIPAR Heavy Duty since 2002 and is responsible for data and market research, marketing strategies, branding, communications, public relations and event management.
Pennig joined VIPAR Heavy Duty in 2006 and is responsible for managing the business development team to grow the organization and increase group participation and national fleet account initiatives.
Also, Baer introduced key initiatives on which the company’s Game Plan for Growth is focused: being data driven, especially in relationship to marketing; driving operational efficiencies through continual improvements and benchmarking; and fully utilizing its wholly-owned subsidiary, Global Parts Network, LLC, as a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
The Game Plan for Growth will also emphasize the organization’s active involvement in the global aftermarket community, supported by joining the global aftermarket trade group NEXUS Automotive International SA and partnering with Automotive Distribution Network and Automotive Parts Associates to form NEXUS North America, LLC in 2016.
