The Reynolds and Reynolds Company announced the appointment of Alan Chakra as vice president of its Car Company Solutions Group, effective immediately. The Car Company Solutions Group is focused on information technology, software and services to support automotive and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide.

Chakra joins the company from IBM, where he was director of IBM's Service After Sales(tm) Solutions business. He launched this business for IBM in 2000 to serve the needs of OEMs and OEM products throughout their operating lifecycle. This IBM business provides technology, software, service and customer support for global automotive and industrial OEMs and their customers.

"We are delighted to welcome Alan to the Reynolds and Reynolds team," said Lloyd "Buzz" Waterhouse, CEO, chairman and president of Reynolds. "He brings a breadth of experience and leadership in serving automotive and OEM manufacturers that we believe is an ideal fit for Reynolds and a complement to the strength we have today in that business. Alan also brings to the position a blend of technology savvy and market focus that will make a difference as we develop new approaches to serving customers in this market."

Throughout his career at IBM, Chakra's focus has been on delivering integrated solutions and services to car, truck, heavy equipment manufacturers, and industrial customers worldwide. He joined IBM in 1984 and his experience includes worldwide sales to automotive OEMs, new services and solutions development for automotive markets, consulting and business planning at IBM for automotive, heavy equipment and dealerships.

"The potential for Reynolds to serve these markets is extraordinary," Chakra said. "I am confident Reynolds can provide solutions and services to meet the business needs of automotive companies and OEMs throughout the delivery chain and the vehicle lifecycle. I would expect us to build on the foundation that's in place, look at ways to offer new solutions and services, and approach this market aggressively and purposely."

Waterhouse added, "Our vision is to create a seamless automotive retailing experience, connecting car companies, automotive retailers and consumers. We are confident we have a unique opportunity to define ourselves in front of car companies and vehicle OEMs, building on our seven decades of automotive experience.

"When Reynolds began serving automotive retailers, we did so through a close working relationship with the automobile manufacturer. It's part of our legacy; we plan to move aggressively to make it a more vital part of our future," said Waterhouse.

Chakra, who will be based at Reynolds Corporate Headquarters facility in Research Park, holds a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati. He holds an IBM patent for remote vehicle diagnostics and is one of a handful of Automotive Service Excellence specialists in North America, with four master's level certifications, including expertise in 26 ASE domains.

Reynolds and Reynolds (www.reyrey.com) is a provider of integrated solutions that help automotive retailers manage change and improve their profitability. The company's software, service and training solutions include a full range of retail and enterprise management systems; networking and support; e-business applications; Web services; learning and consulting services; CRM solutions, document and data management and leasing services. Reynolds serves more than 20,000 customers comprising 90 percent of the automotive retailers and virtually all car companies in North America. It conducts CRM consulting services on five continents.