May 12, 2014—The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has named long-time industry veteran Ira Gabriel as its vice president of marketing.

Gabriel, the former publisher of Hot Rod magazine, will oversee the organization’s strategic marketing initiatives for programs such as the SEMA Garage, SEMA Data Co-op and the SEMA Show.

“We’re fortunate to have Ira join the SEMA staff,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Ira brings with him a tremendous amount of industry knowledge, experience, passion and leadership. SEMA is delivering new and valuable benefits to the industry, and Ira is well positioned to make certain these programs become value received by our members.”