Petra Automotive Announces New VP of Operations / Research and Development

CYPRESS, TEXAS March 3, 2022 – Petra Automotive Products, Inc. (Petra) is proud to announce and welcome Robert C. (Rob) Richardson to the company. Rob will be responsible for Technology (R&D, technical training, new product development) and Operations (Manufacturing, HS&E, and Quality).

Rob is an industry veteran who joins Petra after a successful 22-year career at Lubrizol, in which he held a range of technical, marketing, and management positions. Before working at Lubrizol, he worked for BG Products, most recently as Chief Operating Officer. He also served for six years as Director of R&D and Vice President of Technology for Wynn Oil Company. In addition to core R&D experience, he brings practical experience in quality (Six Sigma, QFD) and innovation (Agile Innovation, Open Innovation). He is a proven leader and a subject matter expert in tribology, cooling systems, grease, and fuels. He has membership credentials with SAE, ASTM, NLGI, and other relevant industry groups. His experience in global markets, both direct and through sales channel partners (distributors), spans all corners of the world, from the U.S. to Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. He brings significant experience with automotive OEMs (light and heavy-duty), know-how in sales, marketing, and business development, and brings expertise in identifying market opportunities and differentiated product performance. This competence will enable Petra to provide solutions for these opportunities and further the company’s position as a global market leader.

Rob attended Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas majoring in chemistry and biology, and studied polymer science at the MSc level at the University of Akron through their renowned polymer science program. Rob is also the holder of eight patents in the U.S. and abroad.

“Rob’s ability, intellect, and accomplishments are without argument. He is hands down one of the best chemists and leaders in our industry and will make a great addition to our team. But what makes Rob’s addition so compelling is that he fits our culture. He is one of us, his morals, characters, and beliefs. His way of thinking, a family man – those are things that matter in a culture like we have at Petra. We are excited to have Rob on board,” says Petra President Arnold Gacita.

Petra Automotive offers a complete lineup of over 300 premium automotive service and car-care products available through over 1,900 automotive dealerships in the U.S. and distributes to 37 countries worldwide.

For more information about Petra Automotive Products, visit www.petraautoproducts.com.

About Petra Automotive Products

Petra Automotive Products is family-owned and headquartered in Cypress, Texas, just outside Houston. Since 2010, the company’s mission has been to create automotive maintenance products and services that facilitate superior vehicle performance and provide world-class customer service through automotive dealers, auto chains, and independent vehicle repair facilities. To date, Petra has created over 300 offerings and is the fastest growing premium automotive products distributor in the world, delivering Petra branded products to 37 countries worldwide. Since its inception, Petra has continued to build product strength and value by offering innovative warranty programs and vehicle maintenance training. To learn more, visit www.petraautoproducts.com or call 1-888-Petra-61.