The dynamic Automotive Focus Group (AFG) held its annual general meeting last week at the new Hilton Pattaya, and with its very popular chairman, Mike Diamente, standing down after three years, it was known this would be quite a void to be filled.
However, after an exhaustive examination of the ballot papers and several recounts under the EC and UN supervision, the new chairman was announced as James (Jim) Beeson, the Asia-Pacific sales manager of Interpower Thailand, which is the hub for all sales and marketing for the whole of South East Asia from Thailand right through to Australia/New Zealand.
New AFG Chairman James Beeson.
Jim’s platform was that the networking of the Auto Focus Group is a vital resource to the automotive industry here in Thailand, and participation keeps members focused on growth and the industry. A team is stronger than an individual, and can provide back to the members current intelligence on what is happening in the industry as well be able to put forward concerns. Committee membership is a method of contribution.
The other committee members for 2011 are Shaun Burke, branch manager of Cromwell-Tools (Thailand), an industrial supply company.
Frank Holzer, ASEAN Manufacturing Controller for General Motors (Thailand).
Randy Simmons, MD of CHS Asia which manufactures a wide range of Thermal Process equipment custom designed to match the customer part range, process and production rate.
Uli Kaiser, Business Development Manager EMAG Holding, a leading developer for integrated manufacturing solutions for the Automotive, Aerospace and Oilfield industry.
Peera Thaweechart, MD Thaitan Logistics and Albatross Logistics. Both operations are a new breed of home grown logistics companies, and are rapidly growing operation quadrupling of growth in 2010.
Armin Walter from Eftec-Thailand which manufactures underbody-coating, sealer wax for the car industry in Asia.
Maurice Bromley, GoIndustry DoveBid, the world’s largest industrial equipment auctioneers and valuers based out of London.
The AFG also welcomed an ex-officio member, Leigh Wilmott, senior business development manager – Automotive, with Austrade, the Australian Government’s trade and investment development agency operating in over 55 counties. Leigh is based in the Australian Embassy in Thailand, covering the ASEAN region.
With the committee members covering many facets of the automotive industry in Thailand, from car manufacturing, through to parts and equipment and base manufacturing, there is no doubt that the Automotive Focus Group will continue its growth and assistance for the members.
