Thomas L. Fanning has been named as director of replacement sales/NAFTA at Continental’s commercial vehicle tire division. He previously had been director of the unit’s original equipment sales.
Fanning assumes the role formerly held by Shaun Uys, who is returning to his home country of South Africa for another position at the company.
“Shaun has been an instrumental part of determining our new direction and approach, and I cannot say enough positives about his role here to do him justice. We will miss his contribution,” says Paul Williams, executive vice president.
Fanning will be responsible for strategic selling initiatives across dealer and fleet channels for the Continental, General, Ameri*Steel, Euzkadi tire lines, among others. He will report directly to Williams.
Fanning had served as director of the original equipment unit since 2007; a prior role included being a regional manager of replacement commercial vehicle sales.
A graduate of Louisiana Tech University, Fanning holds a bachelor of science in business management and entrepreneurship. He is also a veteran of the United States Army National Guard, having served in active duty during the Persian Gulf War.
Succeeding Fanning as director of original equipment sales is Wes Garber. In this role, Garber will have responsibilities for developing and executing business strategies, which includes market shares, profitability and achieving standard original equipment positions with major truck and trailer manufacturers.
Garber will report to Peter Matzke, Continental’s global vice president of original equipment truck tires, and indirectly to Williams. Garber also continues in his role as chairman of the board of directors of the joint venture that produces commercial vehicle tires as the GTY Tire Company in Mt. Vernon, Ill.
Garber most recently held the position of controller for the truck tire division. Prior to joining the company, Garber was the sales and marketing controller of BSN Medical, Inc. Garber is a certified public accountant in the state of North Carolina. He is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University’s Pamplin College of Business, with a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting.
Garber will be replaced as controller by Kristian Klotz, who is relocating from Continental’s central office in Germany.
“Building on Shaun’s leadership, and with the help of both Tom and Wes, you will continue to see Continental moving forward as the company of choice in the commercial vehicle tire marketplace,” says Williams.
For more information, visit www.continental-truck.com.
