Long time design consultant Phil Frank joins Saleen.
10/16/06: Phil Frank, long time Saleen design consultant formally joined Saleen as Vice President of Design at the beginning of September. Phil will work closely with Steve Saleen on strategic design for all future vehicles. Familiar with the Saleen organization, Phil has closely collaborated with Steve Saleen for the last twelve years. His accomplishments with Saleen include intimate involvement with the design of all vehicles since 1994 -- most prominently the legendary Saleen S7. His most recent project with Steve was the design and development of The Saleen Store -- the new era of automotive retailing.
One of the most versatile designers of his generation, Phil has developed award-winning products that combine both innovation and impact, from watches to high-performance vehicles, advanced PC concepts to lifestyle eyewear, to his own line of high-end carbon fiber and aluminum furniture.
Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area by creative artist parents (his father is the author of the comic strips "Farley," "Elderberry's" and Road & Track's "Frank and Troise"), where Phil was exposed to a wide variety of perspectives, cultures and world styles.
While obtaining his Industrial Design degree at San Jose State University he created a full-size concept car for his student portfolio which lead to the association with Saleen in 1993. In 1996, Phil joined the world-renowned Ziba Design where he was instrumental in the development and direction of the internal design philosophy. In 1999, he moved to Nike as a senior designer in the Equipment group where his background in automotive design, product development and digital processes expanded the developing categories of watches, bags and eyewear.
Saleen Inc. Announces Organizational Growth in Their Executive Staff
Saleen Inc. is also pleased to announce recent organizational additions and promotions to the Executive Staff. Founder and Vice Chairman, Steve Saleen and President Brian Walsh recently made the following announcements.
Michael Simmons -- Chief Marketing & Sales Officer
Michael joined Saleen effective October 1, 2006. In this newly created and diverse position, Michael is responsible for developing and executing the company's business development strategies including sales, marketing and public relations activities, product development strategies, distribution network expansion and other growth initiatives.
"Michael's broad-based experience in various senior positions at other companies makes him uniquely qualified to spearhead our business development efforts, through expansion of our product offerings and broadening of our distribution footprint," stated Brian Walsh. "He will help us to further fuel the tremendous growth we have achieved in recent years."
Michael brings to Saleen 19 years of experience in operations, marketing and financial management with a variety of public and private companies. Most recently, Michael was the CFO of Sonance, a manufacturer of premium consumer electronics and loudspeakers. Prior to Sonance, Michael was the CEO of TechSpace, a provider of technology and business process outsourcing solutions throughout the US and Canada. Before TechSpace, he was the COO of the S.R. Jacobson Development Corporation.
In addition to leading significant growth in these roles, Michael also brings relevant automotive experience from his management roles in sales, marketing, product development and finance at Ford Motor Company, as well as his consulting experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Michael holds a BBA degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Jerry Kanaly -- Chief Financial Officer
Jerry joins Saleen as Chief Financial Officer starting October 16. Jerry brings over 30 years of experience during which he was a partner in a Big-4 firm -- KPMG LLP and was CFO for innovative high-technology companies, encompassing every aspect of finance, accounting and compliance. Throughout his substantial career, he has a proven track record of leading companies in achieving profitable growth, as well as transforming accounting systems, policies and procedures into streamlined, efficient practices.
Additionally, Jerry has led many large teams -- domestic and international -- in achieving this growth and by developing resources to ensure that the company's goals and objectives were met.
Jerry graduated with his MBA from The Anderson School at the University of California, Los Angeles, earned his BS in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge, and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Billy Tally -- Chief Officer of Technology
Billy has been promoted to Chief Officer of Technology. Billy's history with Saleen runs deep starting on the race side, thereby integrating to the street with the advent of the Saleen S7, Billy has been integral throughout the years with Steve Saleen on the design, development and implementation of all Saleen product offerings for both the street and the track.
Prior to joining Saleen in 1996, Billy's background was primarily competitive on the track; on-road as well as off-road. Billy has a number of successes under his belt in NASCAR, SCORE Off Road, USAC Midget, Nationals, and motorcycle racing, and now in the GT series. His engineering and race career have only furthered Saleen's commitment and integrity in these areas as well as abroad.
Manny Margaretis -- Vice President of Aftermarket
Manny has been promoted to Vice President -- Aftermarket. Since joining Saleen, Manny has successfully developed and led the Aftermarket business into a more robust business model, thereby fostering the Saleen brand in other areas of the automotive industry.
Manny's previous experience brings an advanced knowledge of manufacturing, distribution, product development and international trade in soft goods. This experience encompasses over 25 years in business development building/developing/and the selling of 10+ businesses. Additionally, as an active trade and vendor negotiations specialist with domestic and international vendors/suppliers of both soft goods and specialty items, Manny brings to his new position a skill-set that encompasses many versatile components.
Manny earned his graduate MBA President Key Executive degree from Pepperdine University with an emphasis on Business Administration in 1995.
Alan Leukhardt -- Vice President of Engineering, Manufacturing & Quality
Alan has been promoted to Vice President of Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality. In addition to overseeing new product development and sustaining engineering, Alan's expanded role will include leadership of the manufacturing and quality functions in both the Troy and Irvine operations.
"Alan's greatest skills involve overall process improvement and cost improvement in the manufacturing environment. His team-building skills are exceptional," said Walsh.
Alan brings to Saleen a BSME from Stanford University and was most recently Vice President -- Business Development of Lindsey Manufacturing. With almost 20 years of senior management experience in product marketing, product and process development, Alan's background is rich in various industries that encompass design and manufacturing. During his off-time, Alan competes in the SCCA Pro and Club racing.
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