KYB Americas Adds Army Veteran as Business Operations Manager

Patrick Smith Joins the KYB Aftermarket Team in Greenwood, IN

 

Greenwood, IN, October 18, 2023 – Patrick Smith recently joined the KYB Aftermarket team in Greenwood, Indiana as the Business Operations Manager. The Army Veteran will oversee sales and distribution center administrative functions, focusing on streamlining procedures and improving efficiencies.

Patrick spent ten years in the U.S. Army as an Engineer Officer, serving in construction and combat engineer positions. His military career culminated as a company commander at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and has a Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership.

After his military career, Patrick spent two years working in the technology industry with a focus on supply chain and logistics. Patrick stated that “he was looking to join a team-oriented organization with a great culture.” His experience aligned with the role, and he knew that KYB was the right place for him after meeting the team.

In his new role, Patrick will help the KYB Aftermarket Team improve operations by achieving new ways to more efficiently and effectively support our Customers and Teammates. Our goal is to be our customers’ best supplier. Patrick main’s assignment is to help keep KYB focused on that objective.

Originally from Seymour, Indiana, Patrick will complete his MBA from the Indiana University Kelly School of Business this fall. He currently resides in Indianapolis with his wife and two sons.

KYB Names New Product Manager

Guna Sathyamurthy promoted to Product Manager

 

Greenwood, IN, May 19, 2023 – KYB Americas Corporation is proud to announce the promotion of Guna Sathyamurthy to Product Manager for the U.S. and Canada. KYB is committed to the growth and development of our associates, which includes promoting from within whenever possible, and Sathyamurthy is the latest example.

Guna started with KYB straight out of college and holds a degree in Economics from Butler University and in Mechanical Engineering from Indiana University/Purdue University Indianapolis. Guna has proven his ability to help set priorities and provide quality validations for KYB product offerings. His main focus over the last several years as Assistant Product Manager has been the expansion of the Strut-Plus and Truck-Plus categories. In his new role, he will continue to guide those product lines along with all other KYB product offerings.

“I’ve enjoyed being a part of the growing KYB team. I’m very excited for the opportunity to be a member of the strong group that is poised to lead KYB into the future.” he said. “We plan to significantly expand our product line offerings and drastically increase our market coverage.”

In his free time, Guna enjoys spending time with his family (parents, younger brother, younger sister, and maternal grandparents), riding his Ducati motorcycle, bouldering, and spending time outdoors (hiking, bicycling, soccer, swimming).

Guna will report to newly appointed Director of Product and Marketing Andy Castleman and will continue to be mentored by Tim Oldiges. Tim has been instrumental in KYB’s growth and product development and is a nearly 25-year veteran of the organization.

New Director Named at KYB

Andy Castleman takes over as Director of Product and Marketing

 

Greenwood, IN, May 15, 2023 – As part of their commitment to growth, development and promoting from within, KYB Americas Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Castleman to Director of Product and Marketing.

Andy joined KYB after a long career in the motorsports industry. During his time as Brand Manager at KYB, he has overseen the marketing, promotional and branding activities, and has provided valuable input on the market and KYB’s positioning. In his new position, Andy will continue to lead the marketing and promotional efforts, while overseeing KYB’s product offerings and product line expansions.

“Andy has proven industry knowledge and leadership abilities. His skills will be used to help provide focus on KYB’s goal to be the best supplier to our customers.” said KYB’s Executive Vice President Atsuo Matsunami.

“KYB is an excellent company with great products and a highly respected reputation. I’m proud to be named a steward of the brand and help guide its future growth.”  Castleman said.

Outside of KYB, Andy enjoys mountain biking, racing shifter karts, and restoring and riding vintage dirt bikes. He often annoys his wife by heat treating parts in her kitchen oven and rebuilding gearboxes on the living room coffee table.

KYB Promotes Erick Kinnunen to National Training Manager

Greenwood, IN, April 28, 2023 – KYB Americas Corporation is committed to the growth and development of our associates, which includes promoting from within whenever possible. The latest internal promotion will see Erick Kinnunen move to the newly created position of National Training Manager.

Kinnunen, a 19 year veteran of KYB, started his career as a Territory Sales Manager. His steady climb within the company saw him evolve through District and Regional Sales Manager positions to his most recent role as Senior Business Development Manager.

“Our goal is to continue to develop the most effective training programs in the aftermarket for our distribution partners and service providers.” Erick states. “I’m excited to step into this new role to support the KYB sales team in their efforts to educate and train our customers in the importance of replacing worn shocks and struts and why KYB is the correct choice for the job.”

Erick’s new role will include developing the training materials used in the KYB 4Trainer mobile training vehicle, oversight of the KYB Video Training Series for Parts Pros and Service Technicians, as well as creating content and presentations used by the KYB Field Sales team.

“Erick Kinnunen has served the aftermarket in sales and management positions for over 38 years”, states KYB Director of Sales Paul Kratzer. “He’s an industry veteran and has a passion for teaching. Erick will train and support KYB’s sales team and help our customers address the challenges of selling ride control products.”

Kinnunen is a big fan of his hometown Seattle Seahawks, enjoys fishing for the “big one” and avidly mountain bikes throughout the Pacific Northwest. He also enjoys spending time with his family and bonding with his grandson.

Multiple Employee Promotions Set for KYB

Sales, Product and Marketing Teams See New Leadership

 

Greenwood, IN, April 24, 2023 – A number of internal promotions are scheduled to be announced by KYB Americas in the coming weeks, including two newly created positions. KYB Americas Corporation is committed to the growth and development of our associates, which includes promoting from within whenever possible.

Ryan Dickerman, KYB’s East Region Sales Manager, has been promoted to KYB Americas Corporation National Sales Manager. This newly created position will allow Ryan to utilize his background and experience to guide the KYB Sales Teams in the East, Central and West Regions.

Ryan has been with KYB for nearly 16 years. He started as a Customer Service Representative in 2007 and has advanced through the organization. His KYB resume includes roles as Customer Service Manager, Territory Sales Manager and the most recently position of Regional Sales Manager. In that role, Ryan oversaw sales efforts in 23 states and Puerto Rico and managed 6 territorial managers.

“Ryan is a bright and energetic person that is highly regarded by customers and has earned the respect of the entire KYB organization. We look forward to Ryan leading our traditional sales team in the USA market.” says Business Director Mike Fiorito.

Ryan will report to Paul Kratzer, Director of Sales for Canada & USA. “Ryan will do a great job managing our sales team.” According to Kratzer. “Ryan’s past roles at KYB have prepared him to take on the next level of responsibilities. His commitment to our customers and associates will lead him to success.”

“I’m thrilled to continue my career with KYB and I look forward to exploring all this new role has to offer.” Dickerman says. When he’s not playing soccer or keeping in shape through CrossFit, he’s attending his children’s sporting events or following the NY Mets.

A replacement for the position of East Region Sales Manager has not yet been named.

More announcements regarding KYB promotions will be forthcoming.

Director of Technology & Supply Chain: Gail McHugh

Monday, March 8th is International Women’s Day. To celebrate some of the women working at KYB, we spoke to Gail McHugh, who is the Director of Technology & Supply Chain at KYB Americas Corp in the United States.

Gail started working in the automotive aftermarket in 1982 and has been with KYB since 2005. She likes cars and has a passion for technology, leading her into her current role with KYB. The two interests have been steadily converging as cars become more sophisticated computers with drivetrains and she is excited by the new innovations on the horizon.

Operations Management was the focus while getting her Master’s Degree from DePaul, following the path she started in undergrad at Western Illinois. Her hard work paid off quickly in the business world. Gail was 25 years old when she was awarded her first management position in Customer Support. She proved herself in that role and has been a respected leader ever since. Her responsibilities and influence have grown through the years to encompass running multiple departments for KYB, including Customer Support.

Gail sees it as her mission to improve efficiency in the company through technology. She’s consistently looking for better tools and methods in the quest to make KYB the best company it can be. KYB recently upgraded software systems, which proved more difficult in a global pandemic as the company adapted to changing workplace circumstances.

She has seen KYB welcome more women into leadership roles in the company and is pleased to see progress in that regard. KYB strives to employ a diverse workforce and create opportunities for all. Gail will continue to do what she can to make KYB a great place to work for everyone.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Choose to Challenge’. We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. From challenge comes change, so let’s all #ChooseToChallenge

KYB Meets with Senator Todd Young to Discuss Industry Concerns

KYB Americas recently hosted U.S. Senator Todd Young at their Franklin, Indiana manufacturing facility. The Senator’s visit included a plant tour, as well as a meeting with KYB staff in which several issues threatening the industry were discussed. Topics included the consumer’s right to access vehicle data, 301 China Tariffs as well as the proposed 232 Auto Tariffs.

“It is quite an honor to have a U.S. Senator visit our facility, he was incredibly gracious and listened intently to our concerns, “stated KYB Director of Product and Marketing Aaron Shaffer.  “We had a great dialogue, I believe the visit helped provide the Senator with a good understanding of the challenges our industry is facing. We look forward to continuing our conversation with Senator Young during the Autocare Legislative Summit in September.” added Shaffer

The Senators visit was coordinated by the Autocare Association and KYB.

KYB Corporation is a $4.2 billion global hydraulics manufacturer with over 8,100 employees and sells its products in over 100 countries. The company is one of the world’s largest supplier of shocks and struts to vehicle manufacturers and has a full range of domestic and import shocks and struts for the aftermarket. For more information, log onto www.kyb.com.

KYB Announces Appointments to Customer Support Department

KYB Americas is proud to announce two significant appointments to its expanding Customer Support Department in Greenwood, Indiana. “Continually working to improve and exceed our customer’s expectations is part of our DNA as a company. These two appointments will make us smarter and stronger.” stated KYB Vice President Mike Fiorito.

Jim Thomas has been promoted to the role of Customer Support Manager. Thomas was hired as a Customer Support Representative in September 2014 and moved up quickly to Customer Support Supervisor that November. He has over 30 years of Customer Support experience and holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a Business Administration major and Economics minor, from the University of Indianapolis.  Thomas is also an active member of the KYB Community Service Team where he dedicates time and organizes efforts to improve lives around him.

KYB is also pleased to welcome Jessica Young as a Customer Support Representative. She began at KYB as part of the packaging team and will now be reporting to Jim in Customer Support. Young is a recent graduate of Franklin College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Quantitative Analysis with an Economics Specialization. Her skills will be an asset to the KYB team as she helps gather and interpret information to better service our customers.

 

KYB Corporation is a $4.2 billion global hydraulics manufacturer with over 8,100 employees and sells its products in over 100 countries. The company is one of the world’s largest supplier of shocks and struts to vehicle manufacturers and has a full range of domestic and import shocks and struts for the aftermarket.

Mac McGovern of KYB Americas Corp. Honored at AAPEX by Import Vehicle Community for Lifetime Industry Achievement Award

The Import Vehicle Community recognized men and women who have made significant contributions to the import automotive aftermarket. The awards were presented to the winners at the Import Vehicle Community’s Luncheon and Awards Program, which was held during the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas.

Recently retired KYB employee, Wm. “Mac” McGovern, AAM, AAP, Director of Marketing and Training at KYB Americas Corporation, was honored with the Lifetime Industry Achievement Award. The accolade was accepted by Vice President Mike Fiorito and Director of Product and Marketing Aaron Shaffer on Mac’s behalf. Mac made the tough decision to stay home and enjoy Halloween with his grandchildren, and missed AAPEX for the first time in many years.

Mike Fiorito said, “Mac was humbled and honored to receive the recognition. He hopes that his efforts of listening to and working with the service provider community continues to spread throughout the industry.

KYB Corporation is a $4.2 billion global hydraulics manufacturer with over 8,100 employees and sells its products in over 100 countries. The company is one of the world’s largest supplier of shocks and struts to vehicle manufacturers and has a full range of domestic and import shocks and struts for the aftermarket.

KYB Americas Corp. Is Proud to Announce Aaron Shaffer as Director of Product and Operations

Aaron Shaffer has been promoted to Director of Product and Operations for KYB Americas. Shaffer will be responsible for KYB’s product development, while also overseeing the day-to-day operations of KYB’s Customer Support Department and distribution facility.

Shaffer began his career with KYB in 2002 as a Territory Sales Manager after graduating from Northwood University with a BBA in economics. In 2005 Shaffer was named KYB’s Customer Support Manager and later, Marketing Manager. Prior to his new role, Shaffer served as a Business Development Manager for KYB. In 2016, Shaffer was the recipient of the Import Vehicle Community’s Young Executive of the Year award.

Shaffer currently resides in Washington DC with his wife, Jennifer. They are in the process of relocating to the Indianapolis area.

KYB Corporation is a $4.2 billion global hydraulics manufacturer with over 8,100 employees and sells its products in over 100 countries. The company is one of the world’s largest supplier of shocks and struts to vehicle manufacturers and has a full range of domestic and import shocks and struts for the aftermarket.