SKF USA Inc. (a division of SKF AB, Sweden) has named Poul Jeppesen as President and CEO, reporting to SKF President and CEO, Tom Johnstone.

Mr. Jeppesen replaces George Dettloff, who has been the well-known and respected face of SKF USA since January 2006.

Before that, in early 2004, Mr. Dettloff came from Chicago Rawhide/CR to head up SKF's North American Automotive operations. He originally joined the company in mid-2000 as head of CR Seals. SKF had acquired Chicago Rawhide in 1990.

Before going to Chicago Rawhide, Mr. Dettloff did his tour as President of Textron Fastening, and before that spent time with Eaton and General Motors. He also has an engineering background, which added substantial credibility with customers and vendors.

SKF said Mr. Dettloff will continue to represent the company's senior management at, "various governmental and industry associations for the near future."

Mr. Jeppesen has been with SKF for 28 years and has held a variety of management positions in sales, marketing, product management and manufacturing. He comes to the his current position as President of SKF Actuation Systems, which has seven manufacturing operations in the USA, China, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taipei.

"It is with great pleasure that we welcome Poul Jeppesen in his new role as President and CEO of SKF USA Inc. Poul comes into this position with an in-depth SKF knowledge and well-rounded experience," said Mr. Johnstone. "I am convinced that Poul will build on the great job George Dettloff and the U.S. team have done developing our U.S. business and thank George for his drive and commitment to SKF in all the roles he served. We all wish him the very best in his retirement."

In other SKF retiree news, Bill Diggory was given the 2010 Heavy Duty Aftermarket Industry Hall of Fame Award, in recognition for his contributions (continuing) to the industry. The award is sponsored by R.L. Polk & Associates.

After 29 years with the company, Mr. Diggory retired from SKF in 2008 as VP/GM of SKF's North American aftermarket operations. He joined Chicago Rawhide in 1980, and in 1985 was named VP of Marketing for Chicago Rawhide Aftermarket.

Disclaimer: At various points in our careers, the author and Mr. Diggory have been competitors, suppliers, and customers. So pointing out Mr. Diggory's skills or achievements doesn't require special editorial license or conjecture.

Mr. Diggory Chaired the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association from 2005-2006, helped shape Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week, served on the Board of Governors of the HD Business Forum, was Director of the Automotive Sales Council, along with participating in a long list of other industry associations and marketing groups.

Polk's Director of Sales, Gary Meteer, said: "In addition to his duties with SKF, Bill has showed his commitment to the industry by sharing his time and talent with many industry associations and causes."