Photo/GKN Wheels

GKN Wheels has appointed Simon Harvey as Global Sales & Marketing Director. Drawing on an extensive track record in the engineering and automotive industries, he brings experience in technical sales, general management and working with development teams on a global scale.

Talking about his new role, Simon explains: “I am joining GKN Wheels at a very exciting time for the industry. GKN’s international market strength combines with the ever greater demands faced by manufacturers and users of off highway equipment to create a real opportunity for technically advanced wheels and for them to be considered as an integral part of equipment design. We want to change the way engineers and designers think of wheels and explore with them the ways in which they can optimise vehicle performance. We believe this is critical in addressing the operational challenges faced in some of the world’s harshest vehicle environments.”

After studying Mechanical Engineering at Manchester Polytechnic, sponsored by bearing manufacturer SKF, Simon Harvey joined the company to work on the development of bespoke bearing solutions for the process industries.

He then moved to aluminium metal casting and product specialist Montupet, a prior subsidiary of The Pechiney Group. After initially working in product management and technical sales roles, he was appointed director in charge of the company’s automotive business unit.

Simon subsequently spent nine years at the USA based automotive engine, chassis and driveline provider Metaldyne Corporation where he was business development director responsible for Europe and Asia and also spent six years based in Detroit where his roles included leading technical sales for the global forging division.

This key appointment comes at a time when new technologies are presenting major opportunities and international OEMs are seeking engineering solutions that can be applied globally whilst, at the same time, meeting local content and efficiency requirements. In his new role, a key focus for Simon will be harnessing these emerging technologies to meet the rapidly evolving demands of customers around the world and work with them to provide solutions which will drive both the customers and GKN Wheels’ business forward.

GKN Wheels and Structures Managing Director Steve Norgrove comments: “Simon brings the mix of technical and sales skills, industry and global experience needed to fulfil our ambitions and work with customers around the world to provide a unique level of service and innovation.”