Richard Welland, Managing Director of WAIglobal UK, has been appointed the new Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) vice-president. In his role he will support President, Terry Knox and chief executive, Wendy Williamson, before taking over as president in 2021. The new-look council was announced at IAAF’s recent AGM.

Richard is very familiar with the federation, as he was previously Honorary Treasurer for more than 10 years, before stepping down to assume his new role. He has extensive experience in the automotive industry, and has presided over many mergers and acquisitions to successfully grow the WAI business. He commented, “I have always been passionate about this industry and with so many technical developments expected in the upcoming years, my time as Vice President, and then President, is sure to be exciting. We have a great team of aftermarket specialists on the IAAF Council, and I’m confident that we will work together to support the wider industry and overcome any challenges.”

The IAAF Council is a voluntary group of aftermarket individuals made up of the Federation’s representatives, including distributors, suppliers, buying groups, service providers and garages, who come together regularly to debate industry issues and IAAF policy, ensuring the independent aftermarket can continue to thrive and develop.

Wendy Williamson, IAAF chief executive said, “Richard is a great advocate for the automotive aftermarket and I’m delighted to welcome him into his new position as Vice President. He has long supported the IAAF and his industry experience makes him the perfect candidate to understand and tackle issues affecting the sector.”