Akebono Brake Corporation has appointed Todd Hammond as Regional Sales Manager for the Northeast, expanding the aftermarket team at the Farmington Hills, Michigan-based braking supplier. Hammond brings more than 30 years of automotive aftermarket experience, with prior sales roles at First Brands, Brake Parts Inc., and NAPA. His appointment is effective immediately.
Highlights
- Hammond joins Akebono from First Brands, where he led product line growth and key account management.
- He will be based in the Northeast and report to Erick Kinnunen, National Sales Manager.
- Prior roles at Brake Parts Inc. and NAPA included double-digit revenue growth, according to the company.
- The appointment extends Akebono’s aftermarket sales structure under the ProACT, EURO, and Severe Duty brake pad brands.
Three Decades in the Aftermarket
Hammond’s career spans more than 30 years in the automotive aftermarket, with a focus on product line expansion and key account management. Most recently at First Brands, he supported customers through training and account management while driving product line growth, according to Akebono.
Before First Brands, Hammond held sales positions at Brake Parts Inc. and NAPA. The company says he delivered double-digit revenue growth in those roles, though independent verification of that performance is not available.
Northeast Territory and Reporting Structure
Hammond will be based in the Northeast region and report directly to Erick Kinnunen, National Sales Manager. The appointment adds regional coverage to Akebono’s aftermarket sales organization, which supports the company’s U.S.-manufactured Ultra-Premium Disc Brake Pad lines sold under the ProACT, EURO, and Severe Duty brands.
Akebono has steadily built out its regional sales structure in recent years. The company previously added Matthew Kenefick as Eastern Regional Sales Manager in 2020 and promoted Mike Eldard to National Sales Manager of the aftermarket the same year.
Executive Commentary
“We are thrilled to welcome Todd to the Akebono team,” said Tommy Rivera, Director of Akebono Aftermarket. “His depth of industry knowledge, track record of sustained growth, and genuine passion for building strong customer relationships align perfectly with our goals for the Northeast. We look forward to the impact he will make.”
Company Context
Akebono Brake Corporation is the North American arm of Tokyo-listed Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd. (TSE: 7238), founded in 1929. The parent group operates R&D and manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, Europe, and Asia. The North American business has focused its aftermarket strategy on ceramic friction materials and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) performance, with its Ultra-Premium Disc Brake Pads manufactured in the United States.
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