The executive committee of the Aftermarket Foundation has hired its first-ever executive director. The committee, which until now has been led by a voluntary board of industry dignitaries, hired Joel Ayres, an industry veteran of more than 30 years and most recently vice president of sales and marketing with Takit Inc. of Medford, Ore.

“The foundation could not be more pleased than to have someone of Joel’s caliber lead us into the next phase of our journey, providing care and financial assistance to industry people affected by hardship,” said Bob Hirsch, the foundation’s chairman. “The need for our services has never been greater, and this is the first time in our nearly 60 year history that we’ve had a full time director solely dedicated to enabling us to help more people and drive more giving. This is an exciting time indeed.”

Ross Kogel Jr., President of Tire Wholesalers Inc. and chairman of the foundation’s search committee who, along with independent search firm Vetted Solutions LLC, were tasked with finding the foundation’s first executive director. The group said that Ayres will help to expand the foundation’s awareness and create an even greater capability to help.

Ayres will begin his new role on March 2.