WAIglobal has taken full ownership of Sovereign Rotating Machines, leading to a name change of the UK operation to WAIglobal UK.
The name change is a logical step for the WAIglobal business and the transition will take place over the coming months.
Sovereign will remain a key brand in the UK automotive aftermarket, alongside premium brands WPS and Transpo. In addition, the Sovereign brand will be positioned for growth throughout mainland Europe.
Richard Welland remains as Managing Director of WAIglobal UK and assumes additional responsibilities as Vice-President, Global Marketing WAIglobal, while heading up the independent aftermarket for the business in Europe.
Welland will also continue to maintain direct contact with Sovereign customers in the UK automotive aftermarket and remain as treasurer for the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF).
Jeff Sween, WAIglobal President and Chief Executive Officer said: “Thanks to the efforts of Richard and his senior team, Sovereign is one of the most efficient and effective sales and marketing organisations within WAIglobal. We will continue to support its development employing the full resources of a truly worldwide business.”
Richard Welland added: “WAIglobal has been an investment partner in Sovereign since 2011. Since then we have added a number of new products and widened our scope as a provider of OE quality parts for the aftermarket. Now, with WAIglobal’s full ownership behind us, the UK operation will have complete access to the support and resources of the world’s largest supplier of rotating electrics.
“These are exciting times for the business, brand and customers, both at home and throughout Europe.”
In the UK, there are also promotions for Kevin Sharp who will become Sales and Marketing Director and Gary Maskrey, who will assume the new role of Director of Sales.
