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By Counterman
NEXUS Automotive International’s global event, the NEXUS Business Forum, took place at the SwissTech Convention Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, between March 31 and April 2. The forum gathered 300 companies and more than 700 attendees from 96 countries.
It included the fourth edition of NEXUS Climate Day, “The Future is Ours” plenary session, and more than 3,000 speed-dating meetings that created new business opportunities and strengthened relationships within the N! Community. NEXUS CEO Gaël Escribe issued the “Lausanne Appeal,” urging the N! Community to embrace greater collaboration, particularly in unpredictable times, to achieve success and contribute positively to the overall automotive aftermarket industry.
“The Future is Ours” plenary session: unprecedented discussion with aftermarket associations
During “The Future is Ours” plenary session, NEXUS Automotive International hosted a roundtable bringing together, for the first time, leaders from influential aftermarket associations such as Bill Hanvey from the Auto Care Association and Chris Gardner from MEMA, representing the United States; Frank Schlehuber from Clepa and Sylvia Gotzen from Figiefa, representing Europe; and Wilson Ni of the Chinese Automotive Intelligence Society. During the session, the leaders of these organizations shared their insights into the short- and medium-term challenges that are redefining the industry.
Beyond identifying trends, they established a framework for cross-functional collaboration designed to advance the aftermarket ecosystem, turning regional concerns into a collective drive for progress.
“The Wise Guys” session: leaders share perspectives on the market’s evolution
A major highlight was “The Wise Guys” session including Arnd Franz, CEO of Mahle; Neil Fryer, vice president and general manager, global aftermarket, for PHINIA; Todd Hertzler, regional president, MA North America, Bosch; Cedric Dackam, president and general manager, automotive aftermarket, MANN+HUMMEL; Randy Buller, co-founder and chairman, The Parts Authority; and Gaël Escribe, NEXUS Automotive International’s CEO. This platform featured key industry players who shared perspectives on the market’s evolution.
In a display of strategic transparency, these leaders examined short- and medium-term challenges redefining the ecosystem. By establishing a framework for cross-functional collaboration, they turned individual concerns into a collective drive for progress and reinforced the N! Community’s role across the industry.
NEXUS Climate Day: from competitive advantage to value creation
The fourth
link hidden, please login to view Climate Day convened more than 300 participants to develop tangible solutions and share best practices. The event brought together sustainability specialists, suppliers and members of the N! Community, representing the entire NEXUS value chain. Panel discussions and proof-of-concept (POC) projects developed by Bosch, MANN+HUMMEL, SKF and TotalEnergies provided concrete guidelines for embedding sustainability within the industry. Escribe appealed for the foundation of an alliance to structure battery repair in Europe and territories where the EV car parc will generate major maintenance soon.
While individual efforts within the industry are taking shape, forming alliances across ecosystems can create the only answer to this major challenge: a collaborative approach.
Redesigned award ceremony
The annual
link hidden, please login to view award ceremony named DRiV as Supplier of the Year and Goldwagen as Member of the Year. In the heavy-duty category, Europart & Wijlhuizen were both recognized as Members of the Year. Individual honors went to industry leaders: Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia from GSF was awarded Man of the Year, while Elodie Luce from TotalEnergies and Hasmeet Kaur from MANN+HUMMEL were both awarded Woman of the Year. North American partners Randy Buller from Parts Authority and Robert Roos from The Pronto Network were recognized with a Leadership Excellence Award and NEXUS Commitment Excellence Award.
ElringKlinger and MANN+HUMMEL shared Growth Champion in the Strategic Supplier category, while Purflux Group took the award for Preferred Supplier and ZF for Heavy-Duty. The bilstein group was named Customer Experience Champion.
NEXUS leadership on value creation and collaboration
“This Business Forum reflects the growing maturity of NEXUS and the new stage we are entering,” said Escribe. “We are becoming a group fully structured around high-value creation for our supplier partners, members, and the wider aftermarket ecosystem, in a context defined by transformation, growth, and collaboration. The 2026 NEXUS Business Forum has acted as a catalyst for building a more resilient aftermarket of tomorrow.”
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By Counterman
NEXUS Automotive International announced the appointment of Palle Willumsen as senior vice president of business development, effective March 16, 2026. Willumsen will lead business development efforts to support NEXUS’ market position and strengthen partnerships with major industry stakeholders. He will be responsible for executing NEXUS’ strategic objectives and ensuring continued growth.
Industry experience
Willumsen has more than 25 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, holding senior positions across sales, marketing and general management. He began his career as a sales manager and later advanced to senior leadership roles including vice president of sales and marketing and general manager.
His extensive experience reflects his knowledge of the automotive sector and leadership capabilities. His commercial and strategic track record supports his new role at NEXUS Automotive International.
Executive comments
“We’re thrilled to welcome Palle to lead our business development. His deep understanding of
link hidden, please login to view and his extensive experience will reinforce our status as a global leader and will further align NEXUS with the expectations of our suppliers,” said Gaël Escribe, CEO of NEXUS. “Palle’s remarkable career within the industry will play a key role in shaping the future of the NEXUS group.” “I am very excited to join
link hidden, please login to view and to work with such a dynamic and forward-thinking community,” said Willumsen. “Having spent many years in the automotive aftermarket, I truly value the power of strong partnerships and collaboration. I look forward to working closely with the NEXUS team, members and suppliers to drive growth and create new opportunities.” The post
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view has hired Jeremy Whiting as director of business development, supporting the East Coast and Southeast distributor territories. He will be based in Jacksonville, Florida. Whiting brings more than 15 years of experience in the heavy-duty industry and a multigenerational connection to the aftermarket. His role will focus on aftermarket distribution support, distributor engagement and supplier strategies across the two regions.
Role and Territory Coverage
Whiting will work with distributors across the East Coast and Southeast to strengthen regional coverage and support growth initiatives. His responsibilities include account development, network alignment and coordination around
link hidden, please login to view’s IMPACT Conference and related programs. “I’ve been attending the IMPACT Conference for several years, and the culture of this organization always stood out,” Whiting said. “VIPAR Heavy Duty feels like a family business. When the opportunity appeared, it felt like the right next step at this point in my life and career.”
Background and Industry Experience
Whiting began his career as an account manager for J.B. Hunt. In 2013, he joined his family’s business, Brookline Machine Company Inc., a long-standing member of the Power Heavy Duty network.
“Some of my earliest memories are going to truck shows and visiting Brookline as a kid,” said Whiting, reflecting on his history in the heavy duty industry. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
At Brookline Machine, Whiting progressed from inside sales/shop tech to operations manager. He managed $3 million in inventory across five branch locations in four states and led development and implementation of the company’s first e-commerce platform.
Distribution Strategy and Network Alignment
Whiting later expanded his industry experience at Neapco, a driveline supplier. As a regional sales manager, he managed distributor relationships and revenue operations across the East Coast and Southeast U.S., organized customer support efforts, managed rep agencies and oversaw VIPAR Heavy Duty IMPACT Conference participation.
Whiting notes that his transition comes with an advantage—he is already familiar with many distributors across his territory, including those he supported through Neapco and contacts from Brookline Machine. “I’ll be walking into meetings with people I’ve known for years,” he said. “It makes the transition feel natural.”
Leadership Transition
Whiting fills the position held by Dick Croft, who has served as a director of business development since 2001 and will retire Jan. 31, 2026. The transition supports continuity in distributor relations and regional coverage for the VIPAR Heavy Duty network.
“Jeremy’s extensive experience in the heavy duty aftermarket, combined with his deep understanding of distributor operations, makes him a strong fit for VIPAR Heavy Duty’s culture,” said Joe Meyer, vice president of business development. “He brings a relationship-driven approach, and we are confident Jeremy will seamlessly support our East Coast and Southeast territories.”
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By Counterman
The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, presented its 2025 Outstanding Leadership Award to Don Bickle, President of S & W Supply and Warehouse Inc. in Hays, Kansas. The award was presented on November 2nd at AWDA’s 2025 Annual Conference in Las Vegas.
Each year, AWDA bestows this prestigious award, formerly known as the “Leader of the Year,” on an aftermarket professional who has contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way. The award is named in honor of former AWDA President Jack Creamer.
Presenting the award this year was 2024 recipient Cliff Hovis, President Hovis Auto & Truck Supply.
Don Bickle Jr. exemplifies the purpose and prestige of the Outstanding Leadership Award in Honor of Jack Creamer. Through decades of service to the automotive aftermarket industry, he has demonstrated a level of leadership, dedication, and influence that goes well beyond day-to-day responsibilities. His career reflects a rare and enduring commitment to the advancement of the industry and its associations—making him a fitting candidate for this distinguished honor.
Don Bickle Jr. is the third generation to lead S&W Supply and Warehouse Inc., a family-owned company rooted in values of resilience, service, and innovation since its founding in the midst of the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. Under Don’s leadership, the company has grown significantly while remaining true to its Kansas roots, serving a wide range of markets—from automotive to industrial, agricultural, and oilfield sectors.
Throughout his career, Don has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the industry—not only through operational excellence at S&W Supply but through active leadership in key national organizations. He has served multiple terms on the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) board of directors, including from 1998–2001 and 2008–2011, and held the office of AWDA Secretary during the 2015–2016 term. His long-standing involvement has helped shape and guide the industry during periods of both challenge and growth.
In addition to his AWDA leadership, Don plays a critical role within Federated Auto Parts, serving on both its executive and audit committees. His insight, stewardship, and collaborative approach have helped Federated remain one of North America’s largest and most respected auto parts distribution and marketing organizations.
In 2013, Don was honored with the Federated Industry Advocacy Award, a testament to his dedication to advancing the voice and visibility of the aftermarket industry. Whether representing distributors in national forums or mentoring the next generation of leaders, Don has consistently gone above and beyond—demonstrating not just commitment, but a personal investment in the future of the industry.
Don’s leadership is not measured by title or tenure alone. It is seen in the way he fosters long-term relationships, champions integrity, and ensures that the values of service and community remain at the forefront of business. His approach reflects the kind of leadership that moves industries forward—not through noise or flash, but through quiet determination, consistent excellence, and a lifelong devotion to doing what’s right.
The Outstanding Leadership Award in Honor of Jack Creamer is intended to recognize those whose contributions stand far above the routine, who set a standard for commitment that few can match. Don Bickle Jr. embodies that spirit—not just in the legacy of his company, but in the legacy he is actively building within the aftermarket industry.
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