Saleen, Inc. is pleased to announce recent organizational additions and promotions to the Executive Staff. Founder and Vice Chairman, Steve Saleen and President Brian Walsh recently made the following announcements.
Michael Simmons — Chief Marketing & Sales Officer
Michael Simmons joined Saleen effective October 1, 2006. In this newly created and diverse position, Michael is responsible for developing and executing the company’s business development strategies including sales, marketing and public relations activities, product development strategies, distribution network expansion and other growth initiatives.
“Michael’s broad-based experience in various senior positions at other companies makes him uniquely qualified to spearhead our business development efforts, through expansion of our product offerings and broadening of our distribution footprint,” stated Brian Walsh. “He will help us to further fuel the tremendous growth we have achieved in recent years.”
Simmons brings to Saleen 19 years of experience in operations, marketing and financial management with a variety of public and private companies. Most recently, Simmons was the CFO of Sonance, a manufacturer of premium consumer electronics and loudspeakers. Prior to Sonance, Simmons was the CEO of TechSpace, a provider of technology and business process outsourcing solutions throughout the U.S. and Canada. Before TechSpace, he was the COO of the S.R. Jacobson Development Corporation.
In addition to leading significant growth in these roles, Simmons also brings relevant automotive experience from his management roles in sales, marketing, product development and finance at Ford Motor Company, as well as his consulting experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Simmons holds a BBA degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Jerry Kanaly — Chief Financial Officer
Jerry Kanaly joins Saleen as Chief Financial Officer starting October 16. Jerry brings over 30 years of experience during which he was a partner in a Big-4 firm — KPMG LLP and was CFO for innovative high-technology companies, encompassing every aspect of finance, accounting and compliance. Throughout his substantial career, he has a proven track record of leading companies in achieving profitable growth, as well as transforming accounting systems, policies and procedures into streamlined, efficient practices.
Additionally, Kanaly has led many large teams — domestic and international — in achieving this growth and by developing resources to ensure that the company’s goals and objectives were met.
Kanaly graduated with his MBA from The Anderson School at the University of California, Los Angeles, earned his BS in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge, and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Billy Tally — Chief Officer of Technology
William “Billy” Tally has been promoted to Chief Officer of Technology. Tally’s history with Saleen runs deep starting on the race side, thereby integrating to the street with the advent of the Saleen S7, Tally has been integral throughout the years with Steve Saleen on the design, development and implementation of all Saleen product offerings for both the street and the track.
Prior to joining Saleen in 1996, Tally’s background was primarily competitive on the track; on-road as well as off-road. Tally has a number of successes under his belt in NASCAR, SCORE Off Road, USAC Midget, Nationals, and motorcycle racing, and now in the GT series. His engineering and race career have only furthered Saleen’s commitment and integrity in these areas as well as abroad.
Manny Margaretis — Vice President of Aftermarket
Manny Margaretis has been promoted to Vice President — Aftermarket. Since joining Saleen, Margaretis has successfully developed and led the Aftermarket business into a more robust business model, thereby fostering the Saleen brand in other areas of the automotive industry.
Margaretis’ previous experience brings an advanced knowledge of manufacturing, distribution, product development and international trade in soft goods. This experience encompasses over 25 years in business development building/developing/and the selling of 10+ businesses. Additionally, as an active trade and vendor negotiations specialist with domestic and international vendors/suppliers of both soft goods and specialty items, Margaretis brings to his new position a skill-set that encompasses many versatile components.
Margaretis earned his graduate MBA President Key Executive degree from Pepperdine University with an emphasis on Business Administration in 1995.
Alan Leukhardt — Vice President of Engineering, Manufacturing & Quality
Alan Leukhardt has been promoted to Vice President of Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality. In addition to overseeing new product development and sustaining engineering, Leukhardt’s expanded role will include leadership of the manufacturing and quality functions in both the Troy and Irvine operations.
“Leukhardt’s greatest skills involve overall process improvement and cost improvement in the manufacturing environment. His team-building skills are exceptional,” said Walsh.
Leukhardt brings to Saleen a BSME from Stanford University and was most recently Vice President — Business Development of Lindsey Manufacturing. With almost 20 years of senior management experience in product marketing, product and process development, Leukhardt’s background is rich in various industries that encompass design and manufacturing. During his off-time, Leukhardt competes in the SCCA Pro and Club racing.
CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHAEL, JERRY, BILLY, MANNY AND ALAN!