Chris Baer has been named the new president of Vipar Heavy Duty, the company announced during its annual business conference.
- January 2002 as director – program management.
- November 2003 – was named vice president and a corporate officer.
- November 2014 – promoted to executive vice president
The network of independent aftermarket truck parts distributors has more than 630 locations across Canada, the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Mexico.
“Chris is well-respected by VIPAR Heavy Duty stockholders and suppliers and by his colleagues in the heavy duty industry,” said Bill Nolan, chairman.
“He is a proven leader with excellent market knowledge who will help us continue on a strong upward path as an organization. At the same time, I want to thank Steve Crowley on behalf of all my fellow shareholders for his years of leadership. We have experienced an immense amount of growth during his time at the helm and are grateful for his dedication and hard work. Steve has been a tremendous leader and a good friend.”
➤ Before joining Vipar, Baer held a variety of sales management roles with Chicago Rawhide/SKF for 17 years.
➤ He has served as a member of the AWDA Young Executive Society (YES) committee and earned the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) designation from the University of the Aftermarket.
➤ In 2014 he received the Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award.
➤ Baer is a graduate of North Park University in Chicago.
➤ “It has been an honor to lead this organization for more than 16 years and I’m excited to see Chris step into this new role. He has been a valued adviser to me and the board of directors, and is a natural fit to lead this organization into the future,” added Crowley.
