Reynolds and Reynolds Names Alan Chakra New Head of Car
Company Solutions Group
IBM veteran experienced in serving automotive and OEM sectors joins company
DAYTON, Ohio, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Reynolds and Reynolds
Company today announced the appointment of Alan Chakra as vice
president of its Car Company Solutions Group, effective immediately. The Car
Company Solutions Group is focused on information technology, software and
services to support automotive and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)
worldwide.
Chakra joins the company from IBM, where he was director of IBM's Service
After Sales(TM) Solutions business. He launched this business for IBM in 2000
to serve the needs of OEMs and OEM products throughout their operating
lifecycle. This IBM business provides technology, software, service and
customer support for global automotive and industrial OEMs and their
customers.
"We are delighted to welcome Alan to the Reynolds and Reynolds team," said
Lloyd "Buzz" Waterhouse, CEO, chairman and president of Reynolds. "He brings a
breadth of experience and leadership in serving automotive and OEM
manufacturers that we believe is an ideal fit for Reynolds and a complement to
the strength we have today in that business. Alan also brings to the position
a blend of technology savvy and market focus that will make a difference as we
develop new approaches to serving customers in this market."
Throughout his career at IBM, Chakra's focus has been on delivering
integrated solutions and services to car, truck, heavy equipment
manufacturers, and industrial customers worldwide. He joined IBM in 1984 and
his experience includes worldwide sales to automotive OEMs, new services and
solutions development for automotive markets, consulting and business planning
at IBM for automotive, heavy equipment and dealerships.
"The potential for Reynolds to serve these markets is extraordinary,"
Chakra said. "I am confident Reynolds can provide solutions and services to
meet the business needs of automotive companies and OEMs throughout the
delivery chain and the vehicle lifecycle. I would expect us to build on the
foundation that's in place, look at ways to offer new solutions and services,
and approach this market aggressively and purposely."
Waterhouse added, "Our vision is to create a seamless automotive retailing
experience, connecting car companies, automotive retailers and consumers. We
are confident we have a unique opportunity to define ourselves in front of car
companies and vehicle OEMs, building on our seven decades of automotive
experience.
"When Reynolds began serving automotive retailers, we did so through a
close working relationship with the automobile manufacturer. It's part of our
legacy; we plan to move aggressively to make it a more vital part of our
future," said Waterhouse.
Chakra, who will be based at Reynolds Corporate Headquarters facility in
Research Park, holds a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the
University of Cincinnati. He holds an IBM patent for remote vehicle
diagnostics and is one of a handful of Automotive Service Excellence
specialists in North America, with four master's level certifications,
including expertise in 26 ASE domains.
Reynolds and Reynolds ( http://www.reyrey.com ) is the leading provider of
integrated solutions that help automotive retailers manage change and improve
their profitability. With 75 years of experience serving automotive retailing,
Reynolds enables car companies and retailers to work together to build the
lifetime value of their customers. The company's award-winning software,
service and training solutions include a full range of retail and enterprise
management systems; networking and support; e-business applications; Web
services; learning and consulting services; CRM solutions, document and data
management and leasing services. Reynolds serves more than 20,000 customers
comprising 90 percent of the automotive retailers and virtually all car
companies in North America. It conducts CRM consulting services on five
continents.
