ANN ARBOR, Mich., July 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Affinia Group Inc., a global leader in the on- and off-highway replacement parts and service industry, has named Josh Russell as Vice-President of Brand Marketing for its Under Vehicle Group with responsibility for brand strategy and marketing support in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Russell will report to Jeff Stauffer, Senior Vice President of Global Group Marketing for Affinia.
"Josh has a proven track record in all aspects of brand marketing and management at the highest levels, from strategy development and integrated communications to category management and promotions," Stauffer said. "With an experience base that cuts across business-to-business and consumer marketing, Josh will assure that we continually energize our industry-leading brands in support of our channel partners and their customers."
Prior to joining Affinia, Russell served as Director of Marketing for Old World Industries of Northbook, Ill., where he worked with leading national brands, such as PEAK Antifreeze and Mr. Clean. Russell was instrumental in bolstering the PEAK brand through an innovative campaign that includes a partnership with IndyCar Series driver Danica Patrick.
During his career, Russell has also served as a Vice President and Account Supervisor with BBDO in Chicago where he worked with leading national brands, including Wrigley's gum, the YMCA of the USA and Borden Cheese and Dairy Products. As an agency team leader, Russell managed brand strategy and advertising and promotion efforts that strengthened leading national brands, resulting in sales and market share growth.
Russell earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where he was the recipient of the WMU Medallion Academic Scholarship.
Affinia Group Inc. is a global leader in the on- and off-highway replacement products and service industry. In North America the Affinia family of brands includes WIX(R) filters; Raybestos(R) brand brakes and AIMCO(R) brake products, and McQuay-Norris(R) and Spicer(R) Chassis parts. South American and European brands include Nakata(R), Filtron(R), Urba(R) and Quinton Hazell(R). For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com .