Phillips Industries has hired David Diaz as director of marketing and Jeffrey McKeown as OEM trailer and technical sales manager.

Diaz will direct all marketing efforts for current Phillips products and play a key role in rolling out Phillips Connect Technologies, the company’s new business aimed at developing solutions for future intelligent vehicles. 

“David knows how to leave a strong impression with the messages he creates,” said Rob Phillips, Phillips Industries president and COO. “Our company has bold plans for the future, including new initiatives recently announced. David will help us communicate how serious we are in moving forward with exciting innovative solutions for the industry.”

Phillips said Diaz brings to the job “a colorful background creating bold marketing and branding messages.” The company said his award-winning career has included creative and marketing positions at top Los Angeles advertising agencies, IQAir, and Body Glove. Other previous experience includes launching and running a 22-person strategic marketing and advertising agency based in Phoenix.

Meanwhile, in a newly created position, McKeown will "support Phillips Industries’ aggressive product and technology innovation plans to introduce new solutions” to the trailer OEM segment.

“Jeff brings so much to Phillips – not only his technical and industry knowledge, but also his passion and commitment to our industry,” said Rob Myers, vice president of sales.   “Our business has been built on family values, hard work and listening to our customers; Jeff will make his mark here.”

McKeown most recently held the post of OEM and fleet sales at Tectran. His OEM commercial vehicle industry experience also includes several years at Haldex managing its trailer OEM segment. Phillips noted that McKeown's "extensive air brake and ABS knowledge ... contributed to the significant market share growth of both companies.”

In addition, McKeown has experience in the aftermarket industry in both the U.S. and Canada, having held positions with Midland Grau and Stone Heavy Duty, a founding HD America member.

Ron Alvarez, director of global OEM/OES truck, will continue to be responsible for sales activities serving the OEM truck, specialty vehicle, OES, and international markets.