Following last week’s announcement that the ECG’s executive director Mark Morgan is leaving his position there at the end of March, this week it has been confirmed that he will join Pound Gates in the newly-created post of commercial director. Pound Gates, which is based in the UK with offices in the Netherlands, is a specialist provider of risk management and damage control solutions for the finished vehicle supply chain.
 
In his new role Morgan will report to managing director Kevin Collins and work alongside directors Matt Holmes and Neal Gordon to help with Pound Gates’ expansion plans in Europe.
 
“We are delighted that Mark will be joining the team and bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. We believe this will enhance the services provided to our customers and greatly enhance our understanding of the diverse customer needs in Europe.
 
Commenting on the new role Morgan said, “I’m very excited about this opportunity as I feel that Pound Gates is an excellent company which has developed a high quality reputation and some unique service offerings. They have some ambitious plans for expansion in Europe and I feel privileged to be able to contribute to these plans.”
 
 
Jill Lajdziak has been named president of smart USA Distributor, the Penske Automotive subsidiary that handles retail and distribution of the smart fortwo in the US.
 
Lajdziak will assume day-to-day operations for the smart brand and takes over from David Schembri who moves over to Penske Automotive’s retail operations.
 
Lajdziak has over 30 years of automotive experience, including expertise in brand development, product marketing and customer satisfaction. Penske Automotive Group Chairman Roger Penske said, "As we look to enhance the position of the smart brand, Jill's background and experience will help us reinvigorate the dealer network and bring a greater awareness to the smart brand."
 
Anne-Laure Mirabaud has moved on from her position as Inbound Supply Chain Strategy Manager at Renault to assume a new position as executive secretary to Michel Gornet, Renault’s vice president of manufacturing and logistics.
 
Mirabaud started at Renault in the Supply Chain division as project manager for parts synchronized delivery and, following a year with Nissan Europe’s vehicle distribution team, returned to Renault as manager in charge of crossdock engineering and operations.
 
Starco Group, the European tyre, axle and wheel supplier, has appointed Axel Werner as group logistic manager. Werner, who has worked with Starco Group for eight years, will be in charge of logistics across the company and involved with maintaining stock levels.
 
The company has also announced that Vladimir Yeliseyev is to be the new group purchasing manager from the beginning of February. Yeliseyev, who has been with the company for six years, is currently purchasing manager at Starco’s Eastern Group but will move to Denmark to take up his new position at the beginning of next month.