SKF — a leading premium-component supplier to automotive OEMs and the independent after-market around the world — has announced two senior appointments to its automotive team.

Ralph Bast has been appointed president of its Global Automotive Bearing Business; he was previously senior vice-president (Automatic Transmissions) at ZF Friedrichshafen AG and joined SKF last month.

Meanwhile, Norbert Neumann has been appointed president of SKF’s newly created Global Automotive Aftermarket business unit. He was previously head of the electric power steering rack business unit within Robert Bosch Automotive Steering Gmbh and also joined SKF last month.

Mr Bast and Mr Neumann will report to Bernd Stephan, president of Automotive & Aerospace at SKF (www.skf.com).

Mr Stephan said: “Now that we have successfully implemented our turnround plan, it is the ideal time to bring in some fresh leadership to optimise the opportunities that lie ahead of us in areas such as electric vehicles and online after-sales.

"We are very happy that Ralph and Norbert are joining the team. They are both experienced leaders, who will contribute significantly to develop our business and add value for our customers.”