Navistar names PACCAR veteran Bill Kozek VP of North America Truck and Parts

Updated May 21, 2013
Bill KozekBill Kozek

Bill Kozek, a 26-year veteran of PACCAR, has been named president of Navistar’s North America Truck and Parts business.

Kozek, 50, will replace Jack Allen who was appointed by Navistar to chief operating officer last month.

“Bill is a recognized and respected leader in the North America truck industry, having successfully run both the Peterbilt and Kenworth truck divisions during his career,” said Troy Clarke, Navistar’s president and chief executive officer.

Kozek’s appointment marks the third change in as many months as Navistar continues to work to bring its fortunes back in order. After the failed decision a few years ago to move away from Cummins engines and focus on launching its own proprietary MaxxForce diesel engine line, the company is once again working with Cummins.

Clarke was appointed to the top position in the company in March and Allen was named COO in April.

The moves seem to be working. During the Mid-America Trucking Show, the Clarke reported seeing ” a 25-percent boost in stock price per share.”

Kozek started as an accountant at PACCAR, climbing his way up the ranks to the seat of vice president and general manager of PACCAR’s Peterbilt Motor Company brand. He served in that capacity since January 2012 but has also worked as the VP of PACCAR China and the VP of the Kenworth division.

Kozek will report to Allen and serve on the company’s senior leadership team.

“I am eager to be joining this iconic American company at this exciting point in its history,” Kozek said. “Troy, Jack and the entire Navistar team are executing an impressive turnaround, and with its new product launches, the company is well positioned to begin winning back market share. I look forward to working with them and our dealers in helping to lead the company back to its rightful leadership position.”