Subaru names three new executives to leadership team; announces vice president’s retirement

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) today announced three new appointments to its leadership team – Aurelian Sin as vice president and chief information officer (CIO), Tim Stallings as vice president of retail development, and Theresa Zohlman as vice president and chief financial officer (CFO). As part of ongoing succession planning, the automaker also announced the retirement of Ken L’Esperance, current vice president and chief financial officer, effective August 2, and Scott McKessy, current vice president of market development, effective August 23. Each executive retires after decades of dedicated service and significant achievements for Subaru, benefiting the company as well as its retailers and customers.

As vice president and chief information officer, Sin will lead the strategy formulation, development and cross-functional delivery of the automaker’s information technology portfolio, leading Subaru of America through all necessary digital transformations. Sin was previously vice president of IT at Tenneco in Europe and the United States.

Stallings has been with Subaru since 1995 and is promoted from Los Angeles Area Director. He will become Vice President of Retail Development (formerly Market Development) and will focus on the strategic direction of the Subaru retail organization and strengthening the Subaru Love Promise. This includes long-term market representation, measuring retailer performance, establishing and evaluating retailer standards, and working with retailers to maximize profitability.

As vice president and CFO, Zohlman will lead the automaker’s accounting, finance, risk management, internal audit and tax teams. She joined Subaru in 2020 and will build on her previous experience as a senior director and controller, driving data-driven decision-making to improve profitability and efficiency.

Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer, Subaru of America, Inc.: “These three individuals strengthen our leadership team with the right mix of knowledge and experience that will help us continue to grow while remaining true to our commitment to be a More Than a Car Company®. The automotive industry is entering an exciting phase, and having people like Aurelian, Tim and Theresa share their talents will keep Subaru on the right track.

L’Esperance joined Subaru in 1987 and has made many important contributions to milestones in the company’s history, including developing and managing the company’s relationships with JPMorgan Chase and Subaru Motors Finance. He helped the company survive the Great Recession as director of corporate finance and through the pandemic as chief financial officer. L’Esperance’s retirement comes after a successful 37-year career at Subaru, during which he served in numerous roles and was actively involved in nearly all areas of the company’s operations.

McKessy joined SOA in 2008 and has held several sales leadership positions, including zone director. As vice president of market development, he played a key role in expanding the Subaru dealer network, modernizing retail locations and evolving the retailer business during a period of unprecedented sales growth. McKessy’s retirement will be the culmination of an incredible 36-year career in the automotive industry, more than 16 of which were with Subaru.

Troy Poston, Senior Vice President of Sales, Subaru of America, Inc.: “Subaru is fortunate to have such incredibly dedicated and talented people who have helped guide our evolution and success. “Ken and Scott have been instrumental in growing the Subaru brand, developing talented teams and continuing to strengthen our retailer network.”

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in zero-emissions offices in Camden, New Jersey, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers throughout the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-emissions facilities, and Subaru, owned by Indiana Automotive, Inc., is the only U.S. automotive assembly plant recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a wildlife habitat. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, the company’s vision to show love and respect for all and to support communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $300 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have volunteered nearly 88,000 hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to make a positive impact on the world because it is the right thing to do. For more information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.