Josef Besting to head up the aftermarket business of the brake pad manufacturer

Leverkusen, 14 December 2006. TMD Friction Holding GmbH has created a new leading position for a Senior Vice President in its Aftermarket business division. Josef Besting (51) will take up the post on 1 January 2007.

Derek Whitworth Chief Executive Officer of TMD Friction, comments: "Josef Besting brings with him several decades of automotive aftermarket experience. His appointment is significant in that we have acquired an expert who will continue to develop the global aftermarket at TMD Friction and further consolidate the company‘s market position. Josef will ensure the company continuously improves its products and services for customers.“ According to Mr Whitworth, the creation of a new senior management position recognises the important role, which the aftermarket plays in the operations of TMD Friction.

Besting began his career in 1973 at Hella KG in Lippstadt, Germany. He advanced up the career ladder and progressed to positions in other European countries, for example, K.G. Knutsson Handels AB in Sweden and Bosal International N.V. in Belgium. Throughout his career, he has sales/aftermarket and marketing sectors. In 1999, he was appointed as a member of the Management Board at Mannesmann VDO AG (now Siemens VDO). Most recently, he was employed as Chief Executive Officer of Siemens VDO Service & Special Solutions where his responsibilities included the global aftermarket and "Special OEM“.