People and Positions January 2026
Many organizations honored achievement and recognized new talent with hirings and promotions throughout the month of January.
Truck, trailer, and body OEMs
Taylor Chambers has accepted the position of supply chain manager at Pitts Trailers. Chambers first joined the company in 2023, and in his new position, he will oversee key areas of the supply chain and focus on strategic planning, vendor relationships, and improving material flow to support production efficiency. He has prior experience in process optimization and cross-department collaboration.
Daimler Truck North America has promoted Michelle Randazzo to chief financial officer as of Jan. 1. She succeeds Stefan Kurschner, who plans to retire. In her new role, Randazzo will oversee all operational and strategic controlling and accounting functions for DTNA’s brands, including Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Detroit Reman, and more. Randazzo joined Daimler Truck in 2002 and has held several leadership positions with the company.
Suppliers and distributors
VIPAR Heavy Duty has added two new board members to its ranks, including Chris Redondo, general manager of Operations at San Diego Friction Products, and Nick Seidel, vice president of Action Truck Parts. Both accepted their nominations to four-year terms during VIPAR Heavy Duty’s annual IMPACT Conference in October. Redondo joined San Diego Friction in 2023 as general manager of Operations, and also serves on the Distributor Advisory Councils for both Cummins Braking Systems & Components and Bendix. Seidel joined Action Truck Parts in 2005 and now serves as vice president. He is on the VIPAR Heavy Duty Membership and Product Committees, HDAW Joint Operating Committee, and the Cummins Braking Systems & Components Distributor Advisory Council.
Jeremy Whiting is VIPAR Heavy Duty’s new director of Business Development, where he will support the East Coast and Southeast distributor territories. He succeeds Dick Croft, who will be retiring in January 31, 2026. Whiting first started his career as an account manager for JB Hunt, then in 2013, he joined his family’s business, Brookline Machine Company. He has filled various roles throughout his career, including sales/shop tech, operations manager, and regional sales manager, most recently for Neapco.
Associations
John M. Vander Haag, president and owner of Vander Haag’s, was elected to serve a three-year term on the board of the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN). Vander Haag’s has been a member of CVSN for over 15 years. Also, Steve Bootsma, Whole Units director at Vander Haag’s, has been elected to serve on the Used Truck Association (UTA) board. There, Bootsma will work with eight other members and five officers to guide the UTA and assist with committees on training, education, membership, marketing, and more.
Marc D’Alessandro and Alexandre Roman have joined The MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Brake Manufacturers Council. D’Alessandro currently serves as director of product management at Winhere Brake Parts, where he leads product initiatives leveraging his experience in product development, sales, and technical support. Roman is the project management office and application engineering manager at Fras-le Mobility North America. He has more than 20 years of international experience in braking systems and friction materials.