Phillips Industries Announces the Promotion of Rob Phillips to CEO
Santa Fe Springs, CA (April 20, 2020) Phillips Industries announced today that its Board of Directors has selected Rob Phillips, 47, current president and chief operating officer (COO), to succeed Bob Phillips as chief executive officer (CEO), effective March 15, 2020. Bob Phillips, who has been CEO since 1963, announced his retirement as CEO but will remain chairman of the board.
Phillips is an extraordinarily successful family business now transitioning to our 4th generation of leadership with Robs ascension to CEO, remarked Bob Phillips. Its bittersweet for me because Ive loved every day building this company to what it is today, but I am confident and thoroughly delighted to see Rob take on the CEO role. As president and COO, hes been moving the company forward to meet the challenges of a very exciting time in our industry. The entire Phillips organization, including employees, customers, and partners, will continue to grow and prosper under his expanded leadership.
Phillips Industries is in its 92nd year of operation. Bob Phillips has led the company since 1963 as it evolved from an automotive parts distributor to an innovator and manufacturer of solutions-oriented electrical and air brake interface equipment for commercial vehicles. Under his leadership, Phillips solidified its reputation as a well-respected top tier supplier. Today Phillips products are standard on nearly 100% of Class 8 trucks and more than 50% of all trailers manufactured in North America. Bob Phillips has not only driven Phillips Industries but has also played a significant role in how the commercial vehicle industry has progressed. Hes been a committed member of many organizations where he built his reputation as an innovative thinker in how suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and fleets can work together for the benefit of all. Some of the organizations Bob has impacted include MEMAs Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association where he was chairman of the Heavy Duty Business Forum, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association (TTMA) and ATAs Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC). In 2014, Bob was honored for his impressive career when he was inducted into the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Hall of Fame during the opening general session of the annual Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week activities.
Rob Phillips has been president and COO of Phillips Industries since 2013. While in this role, he has driven the company to adapt to a changing environment while still maintaining the family values and culture that have played such a major role in the sustained growth and success of the business. In 2016, Phillips Connect Technologies (PCT) was established to develop the right telematics and communication platforms to meet the ever-expanding operational needs of future trucking fleets. In 2018 Phillips acquired a business in Poland, expanded its position in the European market, and just last year it acquired Connected Holdings, a state-of-the-art sensor-based hardware, software, and firmware developer. Phillips also led the company to reorganize its business into five distinct strategic business units to more closely address the needs of each: Phillips Aftermarket, Phillips OEM, Phillips Connect Technologies, Phillips Asia-Pacific, and Phillips Europe.
The success of the wide arc of the Phillips Industries family of businesses drives everything we do here, and Im incredibly honored to be named CEO at such an exciting time, commented Rob Phillips. But most importantly, lets not forgot who got us here. My Dad is the reason weve made this successful journey so far, and Ill rely on his important counsel going forward.
About Phillips Industries
Since 1928, Phillips Industries has been recognized as a leading innovator and manufacturer of advanced electrical and air brake system components, as well as electronic solutions for communicating vehicle data to fleets and their drivers for the commercial truck and trailer industry. Phillips’ products are standard on nearly 100% of Class 8 trucks, more than 50% of all trailers manufactured in North America, and can be purchased at virtually all premium distributors. Phillips has manufacturing and distribution facilities throughout the US and Canada, as well as Mexico, China, and Europe. Phillips maintains active membership in key industry associations including American Trucking Association, SAE, Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association, Heavy Duty Manufacturing Association and various state trucking associations. Their manufacturing facilities have earned the top-quality accreditations including ISO/IATF 16949 and ISAO 14001 as well as multiple prestigious customer awards from Daimler, NAPA, and many others. Visit www.phillipsind.com for more information.