Karel Van Bael, vice president and general manager, is responsible for the company’s European original equipment ride control business.

From 2002 until 2007, he served as executive director of operations, responsible for all European ride control manufacturing and (first line) aftermarket distribution throughout Europe. Before that, Mr. Van Bael held a number of ride control positions with increasing responsibilities in the areas of sales, engineering and operations, including plant manager of Tenneco’s Sint Truiden, Belgium facility; Director of OE sales and engineering for Monroe Europe;

vice president of operations, Monroe Europe; and executive director of manufacturing for Tenneco Europe (Monroe, Walker, Gillet). He joined Tenneco in 1969.

Mr. Van Bael earned his Mechanical Engineering degree in Hasselt Mijnbouwschool.