Richard Hemmings is the new Perkins Vice President & General Manager for Global Sales, Marketing, Service & Parts

Borrowing a common expression from football, Richard Hemmings enters and Jazz Gil exits at Perkins. Several statements related to the motor racing events in Peterborough are associated with Gil. Hemmings’ moment is began.

Hemmings & Perkins: a twenty-year bond

“Richard is known for his strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and ability to build and lead high-performing teams,” said senior vice president Steve Ferguson. “These qualities, coupled with his already strong relationships with key OEMs and our global distribution network, make him an ideal fit for the position.”

Richard has nearly two decades of experience with Perkins, beginning his career as a graduate trainee in Peterborough, UK. During this time, Richard has progressed through various roles within SMSP, including account management, market development, strategy, sales and most recently, he was the General Manager for Aftermarket. 

“I’m excited to be taking on this role, at this time, as we continue to implement our strategic plan for profitable growth,” said Richard. “This work will position our business for continued long-term success as customers, industries and technologies continually shift and evolve. Our continued investment in our full range of industrial engines continues to excite customers, as do our advanced power solutions such as the battery electric power unit that we announced last year and will be showing at CONEXPO-CON/AGG in March. In addition, our connectivity and condition monitoring offerings, alongside the leading service and support options offered by our distributors, means 2026 is set to be an exciting year for the Perkins brand.” 

Richard’s appointment follows Jaz Gill’s decision to retire

After a career spanning over three decades, Jaz has elected to retire on March 31, 2026. Jaz began his journey with Perkins in Manchester, UK, rising through the ranks as he displayed unwavering focus on the customer, strong business acumen and leadership capabilities.

Over the years Jaz has played a key role in the Perkins business and has undertaken a variety of roles, including positions in the Perkins Aftermarket business, New Product Introduction Product Marketing Manager and Asia Pacific Sales Director. Subsequently in his time as Marketing Director, Global OEM Sales Director and since 2017, Vice President & General Manager of SMSP, Jaz has worked collaboratively with the Perkins distribution network and OEM customers to grow our mutual businesses.

“Jaz’s leadership style has been marked by his ability to develop and empower global teams, foster innovation, and maintain a sharp focus on customer needs,” said Steve Ferguson. “For these reasons and more, Jaz is going to be missed by his peers, his team, and members of the Perkins distribution network and OEMs with which he has worked closely for many years. On behalf of the team, I wish him a long, fulfilling and well-deserved retirement.”