Each week, TruckNews.com lists notable moves, promotions and awards in the trucking industry.

This week, Element Fleet Management announced Heath Valkenburg will succeed Frank Ruperto as executive vice-president and chief financial officer in 2025, Sokolis named Laura Bloom its new operations vice-president, and Dana appointed Craig Price as senior vice-president and president of the company’s off-highway drive and motion systems. Meanwhile, KAG Canada welcomed Adewale (Wally) Okanla to its Edmonton team, and Melissa Tindall has joined Thermo King as an aftermarket sales manager.

Element Fleet Management names Valkenburg CFO

Element Fleet Management announced that Heath Valkenburg, currently senior vice-president of finance and treasurer, will succeed Frank Ruperto as executive vice-president and chief financial officer (CFO), effective March 28, 2025. Ruperto, who has announced his retirement, will remain with the company until then to ensure a seamless transition.

“Frank has played a pivotal role in driving Element’s strong performance and financial stability,” said Laura Dottori-Attanasio, chief executive officer, in a news release. “I am confident Heath is the right leader to take on this important role and continue our financial success.”

Valkenburg, a chartered accountant with over 19 years of finance experience, will step into the role after previously holding senior positions at KPMG and GE Capital.

He has been with Element for several years, including a role as CFO for its Australian and New Zealand operations. Valkenburg relocated to Toronto in 2023 as treasurer, overseeing treasury, credit risk, and investor relations.

Sokolis appoints Bloom as VP of operations

Sokolis, a fleet fuel management services provider, has named Laura Bloom its new operations vice-president.

Bloom brings more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, having held leadership roles at Merchants Fleet Management, Mercedes-Benz of Boston, and Lexus of Manchester.

“Laura’s deep experience in the auto industry fits right in with our goal to offer top-notch fleet fuel management services and operational performance,” said Glen Sokolis, founder and chief executive officer. “Her ability to think strategically and execute initiatives will be key as we expand and keep leading the way in fuel management.”

Tindall joins Thermo King as aftermarket sales manager

Melissa Tindall has joined Thermo King as an aftermarket sales manager, bringing more than two decades of sales experience to the role.

Prior to joining Thermo King, Tindall has worked as district parts manager at Kenworth.

Before that, she held a role of regional aftermarket sales director, Northwest, at Sampa USA, served as parts sales representative at Perkins Engines Company, and as a regional sales and service manager, northwest, at ZF Group.

Her earlier experience includes sales positions at Dana, Thermal Structures, and more.

KAG Canada welcomes Okanla

KAG Canada announced the addition of Adewale (Wally) Okanla to its team as the new continuous improvement manager.

With more than 10 years of experience managing continuous improvement projects in the transportation industry, Wally brings knowledge and expertise to the role, according to a news release.

Okanla will focus on driving efficiency, cost reduction, enhancing quality, promoting innovation, and improving customer satisfaction.

He will manage process improvement projects across KAG Canada’s operations and collaborate with the continuous improvement team in the U.S.

Dana names Price as head of off-highway business

Dana announced the appointment of Craig Price as senior vice-president and president of the company’s off-highway drive and motion systems, effective Sept.1. He succeeds Jeroen Decleer, who passed away in August.

Price, a 14-year veteran of Dana, has served in strategic leadership roles for the last eight years. Most recently he held a role of senior vice-president of purchasing and supplier development. In this role, Price led all global purchasing activities and developed supplier strategies that enhanced the company’s efficiencies and customer service, according to the news release.

Price joined Dana in 2010 from ArvinMeritor, where he served 19 years in a variety of strategic leadership roles.

“Craig is a results-driven, highly respected leader with a deep understanding of the mobility business, and specifically the Off-Highway business,” said James Kamsickas, Dana chairman and chief executive officer.