Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has announced that Richard Welland, Managing Director of WAIglobal UK, has been appointed as its new Vice-President.
Richard will support President, Terry Knox and Chief Executive, Wendy Williamson, before taking over as President in 2021. The new-look council was announced at IAAF’s recent largest Annual General Meeting (AGM) to date.
Richard is said to be very familiar with the federation, as he was previously Honorary Treasurer for more than 10 years, before stepping down to assume his new role.
As the Managing Director of one of the UK’s largest rotating electrics suppliers, Richard reportedly has extensive experience in the automotive industry, and has presided over many mergers and acquisitions to successfully grow the business.
In his role, he works to ensure product availability remains at an optimum and is said to be able to predict market changes and developments often before they happen, thanks to his industry insight.
On his new appointment, Richard said: “I have always been passionate about this industry and with so many technical developments expected in the upcoming years, my time as Vice President, and then President, is sure to be exciting. We have a great team of aftermarket specialists on the IAAF Council, and I’m confident that we will work together to support the wider industry and overcome any challenges.
“I’d like to express my gratitude to all of the well-wishers for their kind comments since announcing my new role. I look forward to serving the IAAF and its members and will give everything I have to the role.”
Wendy Williamson, IAAF Chief Executive, added: “Richard is a great advocate for the automotive aftermarket and I’m delighted to welcome him into his new position as Vice President. He has long supported IAAF and his industry experience makes him the perfect candidate to understand and tackle issues affecting the sector.”
