Shaftec has announced two important management level appointments to ensure the business is best placed for success within its chosen markets as it enters the next stage of its development. Experienced aftermarket professionals, Adrian Kitchen and Jim Harvey have joined the team as Marketing Manager and Purchasing Manager, respectively. Both will report to Chief Financial Officer & General Manager, Mitesh Thanki.  

With his whole career spent in the automotive aftermarket, Adrian has a wealth of industry knowledge. In this varied role, he will oversee activities ranging from branding and advertising to increased corporate profile, packaging, and website design. Best known as Marketing Manager of Apec Braking where he was instrumental in a number of significant product launches, as well as promotional activity over a 14-year period, he joins Shaftec from his latest role with the Remy Group, Europe. He has also worked for FAI Automotive and for motor factors and main dealer parts operations.

With more than 30 years’ experience, 15 years in sales and 19 in senior procurement roles, Jim Harvey joins the company from his last role as Resourcing Specialist at Heritage Parts Centre. After several years as Regional Sales Manager within Finelist’s engine division, his career took him into global export sales where he travelled extensively, working with customers across 80 countries. Then followed stints with Euro Car Parts and GSF Car Parts, where he honed his industry skills and experience and built an impressive reputation within the automotive aftermarket.    

“These appointments coincide with Shaftec taking the next step in terms of investment in communication management,” explained Mitesh. “Positive changes are planned with a view to expanding the depth and breadth of the Shaftec brand both in the UK and across Europe. Shaftec not only weathered the storms of COVID and Brexit, it thrived in the most difficult of climates. Our aim now is to build upon that growth, and these two experienced industry professionals will be central to that success.”