Stihl Inc. Hires Asif Azhar as New Vice President of Sales
Stihl Inc. announces the appointment of Asif Azhar as vice president of sales, effective November 11, 2024. In this role, Azhar will oversee the development and execution of U.S. sales strategies for Stihl Inc., focusing on customer relationships, revenue growth and enhancing dealer performance across all channels.
"Welcoming Asif to our leadership team is an exciting step forward," said Chris Keffer, president and CEO of STIHL Inc. "As Stihl broadens its product offerings and continues to strengthen our dealer network, Asif’s deep expertise in retail success and innovative sales strategies will be a tremendous asset. We’re eager to see the positive impact he will bring in this key role."
Azhar joins Stihl Inc. from Trek Bicycle Corp., where he played a critical role in expanding the company’s retail footprint across North America. At Trek, Azhar led operational and strategic initiatives, driving significant market growth and fostering strong relationships with an extensive network of Trek dealers.
“I am honored to join Stihl, a brand renowned for its innovation and unwavering commitment to quality,” said Azhar. “I look forward to contributing to Stihl’s growth and work alongside this talented team to advance our sales strategies, deepen customer connections, and drive value for our dealer network.”
In addition to setting sales objectives, strategies and promotional programs, Azhar will also lead essential omni-channel sales initiatives designed to boost Stihl’s market share and drive profitability.
Azhar is a graduate of Millikin University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management. He will relocate to Virginia Beach, Va., to work at Stihl’s U.S. headquarters.
About the Author
Michael Roth
Editor
Michael Roth has covered the equipment rental industry full time for RER since 1989 and has served as the magazine’s editor in chief since 1994. He has nearly 30 years experience as a professional journalist. Roth has visited hundreds of rental centers and industry manufacturers, written hundreds of feature stories for RER and thousands of news stories for the magazine and its electronic newsletter RER Reports. Roth has interviewed leading executives for most of the industry’s largest rental companies and manufacturers as well as hundreds of smaller independent companies. He has visited with and reported on rental companies and manufacturers in Europe, Central America and Asia as well as Mexico, Canada and the United States. Roth was co-founder of RER Reports, the industry’s first weekly newsletter, which began as a fax newsletter in 1996, and later became an online newsletter. Roth has spoken at conventions sponsored by the American Rental Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, California Rental Association and other industry events and has spoken before industry groups in several countries. He lives and works in Los Angeles when he’s not traveling to cover industry events.