Automotive aftermarket veteran Keith Wilson today steps into his role as president and chief executive officer of Affinia Group Inc., naming an executive leadership team charged with growing Affinia.

Wilson, who has been transitioning to the position since October when then-CEO Terry McCormack announced his intention to retire, has held leadership posts with the company’s filtration and under hood groups for 14 years, including most recently serving as president of Affinia’s Global Filtration Group.

“Keith’s proven leadership and drive for excellence are an ideal match for Affinia’s mission as a purpose-driven company,” said James McElya, chairman of Affinia’s Board of Directors. “We know that with Keith’s vision and the executive team he has assembled Affinia will continue to grow as the industry’s most trusted source for products that are innovative and unmatched in their quality.”

Wilson has named an executive leadership team whose industry knowledge and expertise comes from a combined 130 years serving the automotive aftermarket. The team members and their positions with Affinia Group Inc., include: Tim Ciurlik, Senior Vice President, International Operations; Greg Dillman, Senior Vice President, North American Operations; Steve Klueg, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Dave McColley, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales; Kay Teixeira, Senior Vice President, Human Resources; Jorge Schertel, President, Affinia South America; and, Karl Westrick, Chief Information Officer.

“We remain committed to delivering the first-class customer service and state-of-the-art product development for which Affinia is known,” said Wilson. “My newly appointed executive leadership team is unmatched in their qualifications, experience and high ethical standards, and I am confident they will continue Affinia’s tradition of exceeding our customers’ expectations.”

“Terry McCormack’s leadership and vision helped transform our company into a global leader, and we thank him for his years of guidance and wish him the best in his retirement,” said Wilson of McCormack, who served the industry for 40 years. “I am passionate about serving our customers, our people and our industry, and I am honored to play a role in Affinia’s next chapter.” 

Wilson joined Dana Corporation in 1984 as a sales and marketing specialist with the company’s Spicer Axle Division. He served in various management positions within Dana’s axle, driveshaft and gasket products businesses until leading the filtration group as vice president and division manager of WIX Filtration Product Division in 2000. In the fall of 2004, Wilson was appointed vice president and general manager for Affinia’s Under Hood Group and in 2008 became president of the Global Filtration Group.

Under Wilson’s guidance, Affinia Global Filtration achieved exceptional growth in sales and earnings performance. The Filtration group has been recognized for excellence by the industry and by its customers, including winning an unprecedented nine Spirit of Napa Awards from NAPA Auto Parts for supplier service and performance.

Wilson and his executive leadership team will lead Affinia Group Inc., from the company’s new headquarters in Gastonia, NC.

Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket parts for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. With $1.3 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com.