SMP Appoints New President

Standard Motor Products started off its 96th year in business with a move for the future, as the company’s Board of Directors appointed 46-year-old Eric Sills as President of the Company.

As the great-grandson of SMP founder Elias Fife and son of Standard’s Chairman and CEO, Lawrence Sills, Eric Sills became the fourth generation of the Fife-Sills family to work at SMP when he joined the company in 1991. Since then, he has taken on leadership roles of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as Vice President of Global Operations. In that position, he oversaw all manufacturing, distribution, engineering, and supply chain management. He also has an MBA from Columbia University and a BA from Bowdoin College.

William Turner, Standard Motor Products’ Presiding Independent Director, was pleased to announce the appointment, stating, “Under Eric’s leadership, the Company has increased manufacturing capacity, expanded production in low cost areas, enhanced its global supply chain, and successfully integrated eight acquisitions in the past three years. All these have played a major role in increasing the Company’s profitability. In addition, during his 24 years with the Company, Eric has acquired extensive knowledge of the customers and the industry.”

Turner added, “In his new position, he will continue to be responsible for his current activities while becoming increasingly involved in sales, marketing, and finance. Our Board believes that Eric’s experience, expertise, and proven leadership will make him an ideal candidate to help lead the company into the future.”

Eric Sills joins COO John Gethin, VP of Finance and CFO James Burke, and his father, CEO Lawrence Sills, in the Office of the Chief Executive.