Wade Kawasaki is the founder and CEO of Avanche Corp, a group of small companies which includes Exports International, the company which his wife Rose Kawasaki still runs today.
The Coker Group announced that its Executive Vice President, Wade Kawasaki, has been promoted to president and chief operating officer.
In his new role, Kawasaki will oversee multiple Coker Group brands and the six operating companies including overall corporate infrastructure, strategic planning, acquisitions and business development.
The company says he will now spend substantial time at the Coker Group's corporate headquarters in Chattanooga, Tenn., but will also maintain an office in Coker's new West Coast (Los Angeles area) headquarters in The City of Industry, Calif.
"We are very pleased that Wade has agreed to take this new leadership position," said Corky Coker, CEO.
"Wade's 30-plus years of high level business experience in the automotive aftermarket, both in the USA and abroad, will help us continue to build our global presence as we continue to accelerate the growth of the Coker Group. I am very excited about Wade's new appointment, which will allow me to focus on many things I want to do for our company and with my family."
Coker will remain as the chief executive officer and Kevin Loveday will continue as chief financial officer, rounding out the executive team for the Coker Group.
In July 2013 Kawasaki was inducted into the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Hall of Fame. Kawasaki has also been honored with industry awards such as:
* SEMA Young Executive of the Year in 1994;
* SEMA Person of the Year in 2007;
* Recipient of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network Athena Award in 2010;
* SEMA board member for three consecutive terms from 1996-2002;
