Chris Baer Named CEO of VIPAR Heavy Duty

VIPAR Heavy Duty chairman Bill Nolan has announced that the organization completed its leadership succession plan with the board of directors naming Chris Baer as its new CEO effective immediately. Baer adds the CEO duties to his responsibilities as president of VIPAR Heavy Duty, a position he assumed in late October 2016.

Baer succeeds Steve Crowley, who retained his role as CEO during a transition period. After serving more than 16 years as the organization’s president and CEO, Crowley has now officially retired.

In January, Baer introduced a new management structure and new leadership roles to help the company achieve its aggressive growth goals.

Before joining VIPAR Heavy Duty in 2002, Baer was with Chicago Rawhide/SKF for 17 years in a variety of sales management roles, including his last role as director of automotive sales. Baer has served as a member of the AWDA Young Executive Society (YES) committee and earned the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) designation from the University of the Aftermarket. He is a 2014 recipient of the Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education award, and currently serves on the board for NEXUS North America, LLC, as vice president. 

VIPAR Heavy Duty is a leading North American network of independent aftermarket truck parts distributors.

Tags: Bill Nolan, Chris Baer, Steve Crowley, VIPAR Heavy Duty

Category: People