CEO Chris Kersting retiring from SEMA

DIAMOND BAR, Calif.—Chris Kersting, president and CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) since 2002, will retire at the end of January after 25 years with the automotive aftermarket organization.

"Our mission at SEMA is to help our member companies succeed and prosper," Kersting said. "Pursuing that mission has provided three decades of exciting and fulfilling work—engaging with the outstanding people in our industry to find new and better ways to help them thrive.

"Together with our talented SEMA team, we've built a truly innovative portfolio of services and benefits—and certainly one of the greatest trade shows in the world. You couldn't ask for a better career," he said.

On Feb. 1, Kersting will transition into an advisory role through July 2022, the organization said. SEMA executives Bill Miller, senior vice president of operations, and Mike Spagnolac, vice president of OEM and product development programs, will serve as interim co-CEOs.

Kersting joined SEMA in 1996 to lead the organization's Washington, D.C., office as vice president of legislative and technical affairs. Kersting took the helm as SEMA's CEO in 2002 and led the association through two decades of growth.

SEMA milestones during his tenure include launching the SEMA Data Co-op, the SEMA Garage and Emissions Lab, SEMA Ignited, the acquisition of the Performance Racing Inc. and PRI trade show, committing to a SEMA Garage in Detroit, and developing the globally recognized SEMA Show.

"Chris led SEMA through tremendously successful stretches and also skillfully helped the association navigate the challenges of COVID-19, and the worldwide recession back in 2008," SEMA Board Chairman James Lawrence said.

"On behalf of the SEMA board, and millions of automotive enthusiasts everywhere, we wish Chris the best of luck in the next stage of his life."