Each week, TruckNews.com lists notable events, promotions and awards in the trucking industry. This week, Joe Meyer has been promoted to vice-president of business development at Vipar Heavy Duty, and National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO) welcomed Max McBrayer as new CEO. Meanwhile, KAG Canada promoted Dana Sampogna to the operations manager in Edmonton, Alta.
Vipar promotes Meyer to VP of business development
Joe Meyer has been promoted to vice-president of business development at the Vipar Heavy Duty Family of Companies.
The announcement follows Jim Pennig’s retirement announcements last week. The company said Pennig and Meyer have worked closely to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Meyer has more than 35 years of experience in the heavy-duty aftermarket and has served as a program manager at Vipar since 2018. In his previous role, he led strategic supplier relationships and helped develop several of the group’s largest programs by aligning supplier capabilities with distributor needs.
In his new role, Meyer will oversee growth initiatives and partnerships across the Americas.
He previously held sales and sales management roles at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Grote Industries, Borg Warner Automotive, and Chicago Rawhide (now SKF), bringing dual experience in sales and program management, according to a news release.
“Joe has spent his entire career in sales and strategy. He’s a planner, a thoughtful leader, and someone who never takes shortcuts,” said Chris Baer, president and CEO of Vipar Heavy Duty, in the release. “He’s worked closely with each of our department heads, knows our business inside and out, and understands the pressures that both our distributors and suppliers face.”
NATSO appoints new president and CEO
Max McBrayer Jr., former CEO of RaceTrac Petroleum, has been named president and chief executive officer of NATSO and the NATSO Foundation, effective July 1. Founded in 1960, NATSO represents travel centers, truck stops, and off-highway fuel retailers.
McBrayer succeeds Darren Boyd Schulte, who served as interim CEO since January and will return to his longstanding role as vice-president of membership, according to a news release.
McBrayer brings more than 40 years of experience in the fuel retail and transportation energy sectors. He previously served as CEO of RaceTrac, president of Metroplex Energy, and president of The Ethanol Corporation.
“I am honored to assume the role of NATSO president and CEO at such a pivotal time for the industry and the association,” McBrayer said in the release. “I am committed to working with NATSO’s board of directors and leadership team to execute a strategic framework that will drive sustainable growth while strengthening member relationships.”
NATSO board chairman Joe Zietlow welcomed McBrayer’s appointment, citing his deep understanding of the industry and strong leadership background. “Max will build on his distinguished career to serve NATSO’s members,” Zietlow said.
KAG Canada promotes Sampogna to operations manager
Dana Sampogna has been promoted from senior logistics specialist to operations manager at KAG Canada, after more than 12 years with the company’s Edmonton Terminal.
In her new role, she will oversee day-to-day activities of the operations team and work closely with KAG Canada’s safety and training departments to ensure compliance and timely execution of key programs.
“With her extensive experience and strong organizational skills, we are confident she will continue to drive future improvements and reinforce our commitment to being a safe and productive work environment,” the company said in a news release.
