Appointments (April 01, 2000)

Visteon has named George Hobson as its Canadian divisional manager. Hobson, was most recently part of the Tenneco Automotive organization, where he served as director of sales and marketing for the Canadian division. At Visteon, he will be responsible for climate control products, mobile electronics products and vehicle appearance packages. His appointment was part of an extensive series of appointments of sales team managers throughout North America. Hobson will report directly to Rick Meyer, North American sales director for aftermarket operations.

UAP Inc. has announced that Carman Bennett has been appointed senior vice-president of UAP with responsibility over the Auto Parts Division’s purchasing, marketing, banners, national accounts and the redistribution center. The move represents a lessening in the scope of Bennett’s responsibilities in keeping with his desire to do so. Replacing him as head of automotive operations is Larry Samuelson, who joins the comany from Genuine Parts Company (GPC). He has been appointed executive vice-president, Auto Parts Division. At GPC, he most recently ran the $600 million U.S. Mountain Division, NAPA’s largest. He also joins UAP’s board of directors.

John Vanstone, vice-president marketing, Specialty Sales & Marketing, has an-nounced that Ken Coulter has joined the organization as vice-president, sales, and becomes a partner in the company. The company’s president, Don Chase, is moving to a less-active role in the company.

Bob Sinclair, Canadian sales manager of Dixie Electric Ltd., has announced two appointments. Scott Hederson has been appointed corporate marketing manager. He has been with the company for more than 20 years, and was most recently Southwestern Ontario territory manager. Replacing him in that position is Derek Chinn. He brings more than five years of aftermarket experience to the position. Prior to his appointment, he was in sales at the jobber level.