Senior Reporter
MEMA Retools Operational Structure, Announces Executive Appointments
[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]
The venerable trade association for motor vehicle and mobility suppliers, parts manufacturers and remanufacturers announced a new brand and business structure as MEMA, the Vehicle Suppliers Association.
MEMA also announced two executive appointments: Collin Shaw is MEMA’s new chief commercial vehicle officer and chief operating officer of the MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers segment. Mike Jackson was promoted to executive director of strategy and research.
The umbrella organization will include two groups — down from four — MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers.
The realignment, MEMA noted, is intended to create a stronger, more unified organization that can better serve and represent constituents by convening all members under just the two groups.
As vehicle suppliers, we are moving the world forward. We are growing. Coming together to expand our base, our voice, and our influence. And it all starts with our organization moving forward. Realizing we are strong by association. We are MEMA. https://t.co/PRo1OzqxAs. pic.twitter.com/ImETOoti1m — MEMA. The Vehicle Suppliers Association (@MEMADC) January 12, 2023
“We all know the landscape for vehicle suppliers is rapidly changing. We have seen the transformation in our industry with technologies and new innovations. Although the future might hold some uncertainties, there is clearly no debate on the fact that markets and products and business models will be disrupted. The future clearly will look differently and MEMA must embrace that change,” MEMA CEO Bill Long said during a virtual town hall presentation Jan. 12. “The issues, or headwinds, that the industry is facing are common across all of our member segments.”
MEMA noted those issues include: a shift to electrified and autonomous vehicles, supply chain disruptions, sustainability concerns, worker availability and training, the virtual office, the need for U.S. manufacturing competitiveness globally, and the changing regulatory and legislative landscape.
Other new developments within MEMA include:
- The Center for Sustainability, a new platform for all members as they navigate the increasingly complex processes and requirements of a successful sustainability program.
- A resource for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion where staff and members can engage in meaningful dialogue and share best practices to develop safe and welcoming business environments.
- Greater access to member councils, programming, events, and MEMA’s advocacy staff in Washington.
Shaw joined MEMA in 2022, and before that was responsible for North American business strategy at ZF Group. He has more than 15 years of experience in the mobility industry within the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors. He has worked for several global companies and brands, with roles in marketing, communications, strategy, digital solutions and business development.
Shaw said key areas to focus on in the original equipment suppliers segment include addressing the issues around electrified vehicles, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and safety concerns “as we see road accidents seemingly not going away.”
Jackson was most recently executive director of strategy and research for MEMA’s light duty original equipment division.
In his expanded role, Jackson will support all segments of MEMA, including the original equipment, aftermarket, remanufacturing, commercial vehicle and government affairs. He noted he will lead a data-driven research team focused on bringing insights and clarity around industry and market trends.
“In today’s complex transportation environment, data is fundamental. MEMA’s strategy and research team will serve as a valuable resource for timely and relevant market intelligence and strategic analysis,” said Jackson in a release.
MEMA is excited to announce the launch of the Center for Sustainability, led by John Chalifoux, to support our members as they navigate the increasingly complex processes and requirements of a successful sustainability program.
Learn more at: https://t.co/PRo1OzqxAs pic.twitter.com/zuXHEtVFCT — MEMA. The Vehicle Suppliers Association (@MEMADC) January 12, 2023
Founded in 1904, the group includes 1,000 members — 65% of whom have annual revenues of $100 million or less.
MEMA has offices in Washington, Southfield, Mich.; and Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing below or go here for more info: