Link appoints two top executives to help drive international growth in key markets

Christchurch-based Link’s high tech products are exported to over 65 countries and deliver world-leading solutions for internal combustion engines in motorsport and performance applications including drag racing, drifting, speedway, jet skis, snowmobiles, aircraft and jet-sprint racing.

Link Engine Management (Link), a global leader in motorsport engine control units (ECUs) and performance technology has appointed two senior executives in the United States and Europe to help drive its international growth in key markets.

Christchurch-based Link’s high tech products are exported to over 65 countries and deliver world-leading solutions for internal combustion engines in motorsport and performance applications including drag racing, drifting, speedway, jet skis, snowmobiles, aircraft and jet-sprint racing. With exports booming and following the opening of a new distribution centre in the US just over a year ago, Link ECU has now appointed Jason Oefelein to the newly created role of Vice President of Sales for North America and South America. Jason has over 25-years’ experience in the automotive industry including 17 years of track-side experience and has the first-hand experience of Link’s performance technology.

“As a previous shop owner, I was Link's target end user. I am bringing my practical knowledge and deep understanding of end-user needs to the company. With the deep insight of the markets and the key players, I’ll be collaborating with our engineering team to build an even better product for customers,” says Oefelein.

Jason’s role at Link is to work with US dealers to widen Link’s diversification into other motorsport disciplines as well as to build on existing relationships with the US drift market, where the company already has a strong foothold, and then to drive expansion into Central and South America, and Canada.

John Lynd joins Link ECU as Regional Manager – UK & Europe having most recently served as Export Manager for Glen Dimplex in the UK. With more than 15 years’ experience of managing and building trans-European businesses, he’s ideally suited to further develop and expand the Link’s brand across Europe.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Link team as there are so many growth opportunities ahead of us. Our world-class products already have a strong presence in the UK and Ireland and I’ll be leveraging my connections in mainland Europe to continue to grow our footprint at speed,” says Lynd.

More than 85% of Link’s total sales are exported. Sales have doubled in the last 24 months with 15% growth in this quarter alone.

CEO Andy Millard is a strong proponent of having the right people on the ground in-market to serve the particular needs of local customers. “We are currently experiencing phenomenal growth in both North America and Europe and the key appointments of Jason and John will allow us to break into new markets as well as serve the needs of our existing client base in each market. Both Jason and John have a wealth of experience, knowledge and contacts and have been strong admirers and advocates of our technology for a long time. It’s really great to have them on board,” says Millard.