Russ Stebbins

Lead the North American Aftermarket Business Unit. Focus on P&L of both Independent Aftermarket (IAM) and Original Equipment (OES) channels. Use a strategic mindset to drive profitable growth, craft regional strategies, and actively pursue business development strategies including M&A. Develop and Lead teams and drive a culture of innovation, success, and accountability. Key member of the Global Aftermarket Leadership team.

Member of board that drives direction of Automotive Sales Council, including selecting speakers for upcoming meetings and deciding on future approaches. The Automotive Sales Council is an invite only group of leading Automotive Aftermarket Professionals.

The Autocare events committee steers the strategic direction and provides input into future changes for both the AAPEX and HDAW shows, the largest trade shows for the automotive and heavy duty aftermarkets respectively. This is a nominated position for which I served two three year terms.

Hired in newly created position of Director, Aftermarket Business Unit for the Americas. Reported directly to CEO, Akebono Brake Corporation. Developed and implemented growth strategy, including identifying key strategic issues and plans. Full P&L responsibility for the business unit. Led team of 21 in the areas of sales, marketing, data management, product management, and customer service. Additionally, had indirect leadership of operations director as well as independent sales representatives. Focused on developing a high energy team with a sense of urgency, attention to detail, and clear sense of purpose. Generated double digit top and bottom line growth as well as transforming the strategy and culture of the organization.

Appointed to newly created position as lead to develop aftermarket for Lumileds, LLC automotive lighting division in the NAFTA region using the Philips brand. Led team of six direct reports and a total team of twelve along with multiple independent sales representative firms. Responsible for overall aftermarket strategy including sales, marketing, product, and data. Acted as lead sales contact. Developed individual customer strategies and present material to key customer contacts. Acted as face of the organization to the industry. Reviewed progress quarterly with Lumileds Executive team. Since beginning of 2015, obtained over 80 new customers with total annual incremental sales of over $10M as well as transforming strategy and culture of the organization.

Appointed as lead to launch and develop TRW North American Aftermarket business. Developed and presented business case for entry to TRW Executive Team that resulted in approval to proceed. Created, led, and staffed team to successfully launch business in a timely manner. Developed individual customer strategies and presented material to key customer contacts. Acted as lead sales & marketing contact. Acted as face of the organization to the industry. Led monthly steering committee meetings with global VP of IAM and other key participants. Reviewed progress quarterly with TRW Executive team, including CEO.

Responsible for implementation of the commercial strategy for a TRW NA OE Service and Independent Aftermarket. Generate and deliver sales and margin business plans. Participate in business leadership process. Lead team of thirteen people to deliver commitments. Responsible for developing Long Range Strategic Plans to drive both revenue and profit growth. Responsible for developing and expanding customer relationships. Responsible for maximizing return on brand name through licensing or marketing. Appointed member of three-person leadership team that took control of the business from September 2007 to April 2008 after General Manager chose to pursue other opportunities. In addition I managed Purchasing, Engineering, and Program Management functions

Responsible for quote approval process for North America. Direct supervision for commercial managers in the Occupant Safety Systems, Braking & Suspension, and Steering business units. Responsible for development of the IT solution of a worldwide quote information database. Obtained quote approval from CEO and/or EVP Sales & Business Development as needed. Completed projects as needed by executive management, including CEO and EVP of Sales & Business Development.

Expatriate assignment in Germany. Responsibilities within the European Occupant Safety Systems product line, including inflatable restraints, steering wheels, seat belts, and electronics. Led weekly management meeting to review and approve new quote opportunities, as well as other important issues. Provided guidance to customer teams in developing logical sales strategy and market price. Coordinated global quotes with colleagues in North America and Asia Pacific regions. Successfully implemented the quote approval process within European Occupant Safety Systems, including one central and six satellite sales offices, ahead of schedule. Provided guidance in developing quote approval process within Asia Pacific region.

Responsible for commercial issues involving inflatable restraints and steering wheels for General Motors (GM), Isuzu, Suzuki, and Subaru. Led negotiations on several major commercial issues between TRW & GM. Integral member of negotiation team that obtained significant awards of new GM business. Significant international exposure. Received TRW achievement award in 2000 for execution of significant price increase proposal with GM.

Responsible for the overall cost, quality, and timing for the side airbag and wheel airbag programs on the Ford Windstar. The side airbag and wheel airbag were both new technologies for the vehicle. Responsible for maintaining budgets and timing schedules, managing suppliers, tracking open issues, and leading cross-functional program teams. Provided direct technical support to both Ford and suppliers.

Responsible for release engineering duties for Ford Motor Company on both wheel airbag and side airbag program as part of a full service supplier agreement. Responsible for system performance testing and conformance of wheel airbag, passenger, & side airbag modules for Ford and Chrysler. Responsible for the design and conformance testing of the MY97 Dodge Viper frontal airbags. Successfully launched into production both the driver and passenger airbag modules for the MY97 Dodge Viper. Provided direct technical support to both customers and suppliers.

Worked with program teams to provide timely launches of new airbag systems. Provided direct technical support to both customers and suppliers. Provided advanced product development engineering support.