Zep Inc., a chemical manufacturer based in Atlanta, announced the company is consolidating its North American commercial organizations to align product and market development. The organization will fall under the leadership of Steve Nichols and Joe Seladi, each of whom have over 35 years leading businesses in the industry.

Nichols will assume the title of group president and have responsibility for our Industrial & Institutional ("I&I") businesses including: our North American Sales & Service, Zep Vehicle Care, Zep Distribution, Zep Industrial, Zep Energy, Zep Food, Zep Government and Export divisions, including sales and marketing to customers who purchase directly, through distribution, or as a strategic account customer. Nichols is a veteran of our industry with a variety of leadership roles including two international assignments.

Seladi will also assume the title of group president and have responsibility for our Zep Automotive and Zep Retail businesses. Seladi joined Zep Inc. in the 2010 acquisition of Amrep, Inc. where he previously served as the Chief Executive Officer. Seladi has over 40 years with manufacturing organizations, having led organizations in our industry for the past twenty years.

"These changes are consistent with our goal of driving profitable growth and will enhance our customer experience, streamline our cost structure and create a culture of continuous improvement," said John K. Morgan, chairman, president and CEO of Zep Inc. "Steve’s experience leading multi-channel organizations will be a valuable asset to our North American Sales & Service and Distribution selling organizations and allow Joe to focus his attention on Zep Inc.’s Retail businesses and an enterprise-wide complexity reduction initiative."

In conjunction with this alignment, Darrin Baum has been promoted to vice president, general manager Zep Vehicle Care. Darrin is a veteran of the car wash industry having worked in and managed car washes before joining the Vehicle Care operation in 1997. In the past sixteen years with the company, Darrin has served as Territory Manager, District Manager, Western VP of Sales and most recently as the Sr. VP of Sales and Service.

"Darrin’s extensive knowledge of our industry and his passion for our team together with his business acumen and dynamic leadership skills uniquely qualify him to lead Vehicle Care into the future," said Steve Nichols, group president.

This announcement will also mark the move from Amrep to Zep Inc. as a go-to-market identity, with specialized brands under the Zep Inc. umbrella.