Toronto, Ontario — Chris Kersting, a man who quite literally brought the auto industry together for more than 30 years of his career, will retire at the end of January.
Kersting took over as CEO of SEMA in 2002 and is known for being instrumental in launching SEMA Data Co-op, the SEMA Garage and Emissions Lab, SEMA Ignited, the PRI acquisition and the SEMA Garage in Detroit.
He took on the organization’s top position only eight years after being tasked to lead SEMA’s Washington, D.C. office as vice president of legislative and technical affairs.
“Our mission at SEMA is to help our member companies succeed and prosper,” said Kersting. “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.”
SEMA board chairman, James Lawrence, spoke highly of Kersting in response to his announcement.
“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,” said Lawrence. “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.”
Kersting will carry on in an advisory role starting February through June.
SEMA executives Bill Miller, senior vice president of operations, and Mike Spagnola, vice president of OEM and product development programs, will serve as interim co-CEOs.
