Seawide Distribution has appointed John Ruch to succeed president Bill Rogers who will retire on 1 January 2027. Ruch, currently vice-president of fulfilment, will take over on the same date.
The US marine aftermarket distributor, based in Exeter, Pennsylvania, is a division of LKQ Specialty. It offers more than 50,000 products from over 300 suppliers, covering outdoor products and accessories, boat systems, and consumer and marine electronics.
Rogers joined the business in 2011 following leadership roles at GE, Textron and Armstrong World Industries. He has served as Seawide president since the company became part of LKQ Specialty in October 2021.
His tenure included expansion of its delivery network and services, development of its automotive and recreational vehicle business and acquisitions.
Leadership transition
Ruch has been with the team since 2009, working in sales and operations before becoming vice-president of fulfilment.
Before joining the business, he spent three years as an operations manager at Sears and served for five years as a US Army captain after graduating from West Point.
The company says the leadership transition is intended to maintain continuity for customers, including service provision and existing business relationships.
“I am looking forward to retirement and getting to do some of things I never had time for,” said Rogers.
“[John] knows our business, our customers, and our people exceptionally well. I am confident in his abilities to take us forward.”
Ruch added: “I have some very big shoes to fill but I am excited for the challenge and know I will be able to continue the success that Bill has helped build.”
Seawide has served the marine industry since 1979, supplying products to the US wholesale aftermarket.
