David Clarke, president and chief executive officer at Aurora Parts & Accessories, plans to transition into a new role as chairman of the company’s board at the end of the year.
The aftermarket semi-trailer parts distribution company, headquartered in Lebanon IN, said Brad Fulkerson, currently vice president and chief operating officer, will succeed Clarke as president and CEO Jan 1, 2020.
“It’s great to have an ownership group that believes in what we, as a team, are doing at Aurora.” Fulkerson said. “I think our leadership transition plan will provide great continuity of our vision and our strategy of growing Aurora by driving business through our dealers.”
As part of the planned transition, Clarke will continue to take an active role with Aurora, serving as executive advisor through the end of the year before moving to board chairman.
“I am confident that, under Brad’s leadership, Aurora will take our industry-leading technology platform to the next level,” Clarke said.
During his tenure, the outgoing president, who has more than 30 years of experience in the heavy-duty aftermarket industry, refocused the company’s business on developing technology that helps grow Aurora’s network.
“With a motto of ‘A part isn’t sold until the dealer sells it,’ David Clarke took strategic steps to bring that about—from developing strong relationships with fleets through Aurora’s FleetPerform program, to implementing a supplier scorecard that graded suppliers on things like distribution strategy, developing national and local market tools to drive dealer growth, and reinvesting money into programs and technology tools,” the company said.
Fulkerson joined Aurora in 2012. He previously held a variety of executive positions in the construction industry, including chief financial officer and then CEO of one of the largest commercial tile and marble contracting businesses in the country.
“Brad has done a great job of supporting our fleets and dealers as our COO for the past seven years, but what I am most excited to see is what Brad can bring to Aurora in terms of technology,” Clarke said. “Brad really has a skill at understanding how to bring technology to bear in a way that truly enhances the way people conduct business.”
Fulkerson was instrumental in the opening of Aurora’s parts distribution centers in Atlanta and Dallas. Under his leadership, Aurora warehouses streamlined operations, implementing a smart warehouse configuration system, and expanded and improved their delivery service options, and Fulkerson played an integral part in extending the exclusive parts distribution agreement with Wabash National, according to the company.
“Aurora Parts has helped to position Wabash and the Wabash dealer network as the premier aftermarket in the industry,” said Brent Yeagy, president and CEO of Wabash. “I have worked closely with Brad Fulkerson over the past several years and am confident that Aurora will continue to build upon their success under his leadership.”
