RJ De Vera Joins SEMA As Vice President Of Marketing

RJ De Vera Joins SEMA As Vice President Of Marketing

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has appointed RJ de Vera as Vice President of Marketing. The association said de Vera will develop and implement a modernised multi-channel marketing strategy for SEMA with a digital-first focus to expand brand awareness and build customer affinity for the organisation and its members.

“RJ is an industry icon, having worked in and with the aftermarket specialty business for nearly 30 years. It’s a thrill to have him join the SEMA leadership team,” said Bill Miller, SEMA Senior Vice President of Operations. “He will surely be an asset to our growth in the coming years, and we look forward to seeing what he will bring to the organisation.”

De Vera comes to SEMA after 12 years at 3M, including the last seven as Global Leader of Digital Marketing and Public Relations for the Meguiar’s Car Care brand. Prior to 3M and Meguiar’s, de Vera worked with OEMs including Honda, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Mazda and Scion to build corporate image vehicles. He also helped American Racing, Veilside Japan and Vorsteiner design and market parts and accessories, while consulting on automotive-related marketing initiatives with numerous brands including Pepsi Co, Valvoline, Boost Mobile, Michelin / BF Goodrich, and Microsoft / XBOX.

“I have attended every SEMA Show since 1997 and have had the honour of being a judge for the SEMA Show’s Battle of Builders series for the past six years,” said de Vera. “I am honoured to expand my role within the association and hope to have a positive impact on the industry and culture that I love.”

Early in his career, de Vera worked on Petersen Publishing’s ‘Super Street’ Magazine, helped promote the first National Import Racing Association events, and assisted Universal Studios in launching ‘The Fast and the Furious’ movie franchise as a consultant and actor. He also served as a judge, host and content strategist for MTV’s ‘Trick It Out’ series.