MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, has named John Chalifoux as its chief sustainability officer and head of its newly launched Center for Sustainability.
He also will serve as chief operating officer of the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers membership group. Most recently, Chalifoux was president and chief operating officer of MEMA’s Association for Sustainable Manufacturing (MERA).
The Center for Sustainability is a critical component of MEMA’s recent realignment to better position itself and its members for long-term success. Through the center, MEMA will expand the reach of its sustainability and ESG services. Now all MEMA members will have access to subject-matter experts, programming and other resources.
Chalifoux will lead the strategic direction, design and execution of the center, helping membersnavigate the increasingly complex processes and requirements of a successful sustainability program.
Under Chalifoux’s leadership, MERA was recognized internationally for elevating and mainstreaming remanufacturing and similar forms of sustainable manufacturing – key drivers in the circular economy. All ongoing remanufacturing activities will roll under the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers membership group, where Chalifoux will lead operations.
“Our members are leaders in the automotive and commercial vehicle supplier industry,” said Chalifoux. “I am excited to take on this dual role within MEMA as we unite aftermarket suppliers and serve all MEMA members wherever they are in their sustainability journey.”
Previously at MEMA, Chalifoux was vice president of marketing and business development for MEMA’s original-equipment suppliers market segment (OESA). Before MEMA, Chalifoux was a strategy consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is an experienced marketing and sales executive, working in the automotive supplier community for Freudenberg-NOK, NTN Bearing and Valeo. He began his career with Goldman Sachs in New York.
Chalifoux earned bachelor’s degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Stony Brook University and an MBA from Michigan State University. He also is a graduate of the NADA Dealer Academy. In 2022, Northwood University recognized Chalifoux with its Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award and he was named a Notable Leader in Sustainability by Crain’s Detroit Business.
