Wabash National Corp has named Arthur R Brown vice-president and chief operating officer. Most recently, he was vice-president of Fram/Autolite, responsible for overseeing manufacturing operations in a group of eight plants. Wabash also has selected Heidrick & Struggles International, an executive search firm, to assist the company in identifying candidates for the position of chief executive officer.
Freightliner LLC has appointed Jeffrey Fisher general manager-corporate relations and communications. His most recent position was general manager-corporate communications for Mercedes-Benz USA, based in New Jersey. Alex Bernasconi has been named general manager for Freightliner Corp's western United States sales region. He most recently served as director-business class and vocational sales for Freightliner Trucks. Jim Looysen has been named to succeed Bernasconi. Looysen joined Freightliner in 1997 as a vocational sales manager focused on agricultural markets.
Collins Industries has named Paul Kessler president of Collins Bus Corp and Mid Bus Inc. Kessler, who will be based in Bluffton OH, previously served as president and general manager of Toledo Technologies.
Stephen Bennett, managing director of Utility International Ltd, has been promoted to vice-president of European sales and marketing for Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. As a result of this promotion, Niall Wordsworth has been promoted from deputy managing director to managing director of Utility International Ltd.
Kenworth Truck Co has promoted Chris Braun to assistant general manager for operations. Braun will continue to be responsible for all Kenworth manufacturing facilities in Renton and Seattle WA, Chillicothe OH, and Ste Therese, Quebec, Canada. His background includes service as division controller for Kenworth. The company has appointed Dave Clarke general sales manager. He most recently served as assistant general manager with responsibility for operations, sales administration, and systems at Paccar Parts. Kenworth also named Rick Drollinger customer service manager. He most recently served as section manager for cab/hoods/sleeper in production engineering.