Maxion Announces Leadership Transition as Pieter Klinkers Becomes President and CEO

Iochpe-Maxion SA (Maxion), a global manufacturer of automotive wheels and structural components, has announced a leadership transition. Pieter Klinkers, currently the CEO of Maxion Wheels, will take over as the President and CEO of Iochpe-Maxion SA, effective April 16, 2025. He will succeed Marcos Oliveira, who will step down at the end of his term as part of the company’s succession plan.  

Klinkers brings over three decades of experience in the automotive industry. Before joining Maxion, he spent ten years at Michelin and later worked at Hayes Lemmerz Inc., which was acquired by Iochpe-Maxion. Since 2015, he has led the company’s global wheels business.  

With Klinkers assuming his new role, Mark Gerardts has been named the next CEO of Maxion Wheels. Gerardts, currently serving as the Business Unit President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), has been with the company since 2015 and has held multiple leadership positions.  

Meanwhile, Oliveira has been nominated by the Iochpe-Maxion Board of Directors as a candidate for the Board of Directors election, scheduled during the next ordinary general shareholders' meeting on April 16, 2025.  

Maxion stated that the transition process will be managed with structured communication to ensure business continuity.

Maxion Wheels is a global manufacturer of steel and aluminum wheels for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and off-highway applications. A subsidiary of Iochpe-Maxion SA, the company supplies wheels to major automotive manufacturers worldwide. With a presence in multiple regions, Maxion Wheels operates production facilities and technology centers to support its customers with product development, manufacturing, and innovation.

The company’s product portfolio includes lightweight aluminum wheels and durable steel wheels designed to meet industry standards for safety, performance, and efficiency. It serves various segments, including passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, and agricultural and industrial equipment. Maxion Wheels emphasizes design optimization and material efficiency to align with evolving automotive trends, including electrification and sustainability.

With decades of experience in wheel manufacturing, Maxion Wheels has established long-term relationships with global automakers and commercial vehicle manufacturers. The company continues to expand its capabilities through research and development, focusing on reducing vehicle weight, enhancing fuel efficiency, and supporting sustainability initiatives.

In addition to its manufacturing operations, Maxion Wheels engages in industry collaborations to develop new technologies and improve production processes. The company’s global footprint and technical expertise contribute to its role as a key supplier in the automotive sector.