KYB Senior Business Development Manager Ray Proulx to Retire;  Industry Veteran Shaun Kelso to Continue Proulx’s Legacy.

After 21 incredible years with KYB, Ray Proulx, Senior Business Development Manager of Canada, will be retiring on January 31, 2026.

Throughout his career, Ray played a pivotal role in building and growing the KYB brand across Canada. His dedication and leadership helped establish a strong footprint with major accounts and laid the foundation for the success we continue to build today.

After several years working in sales and marketing, an opportunity arose that was too compelling for Ray to pass up. KYB had just entered the Canadian market. “I had never heard of the company before,” Proulx admits. “But I knew it would be an exciting challenge, and more importantly, a chance to get back into an industry I’m passionate about.”

Reflecting on his time at KYB, Ray shared that working with a Japanese organization and understanding its culture was a rewarding and defining part of his career. Having the opportunity to help build the KYB brand from the ground up is something few professionals experience, and Ray did it with passion and purpose.

“We listen to our customers and respond quickly,” he adds. “Of course, we’re always working to increase our market share, but KYB already holds a strong position in the premium segment, and the future looks promising.”

Shaun Kelso Takes Over Leadership of the Canadian Market for KYB

KYB has announce Shaun Kelso as KYB’s new Canadian Senior Business Development Manager.

With 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, including senior sales leadership roles at Goodyear Canada, MOPAR, Magneti Marelli, and Dealer Tire, Shaun brings a strong background in business development, account leadership, and customer-focused growth.

A lifelong automotive enthusiast, Shaun’s career goals include helping other passionate automotive professionals succeed—whether through sales support, delivering exceptional customer experience, or coaching and training. Shaun’s new role with KYB will be beneficial to automotive parts distributors, retailers, and technicians throughout Canada.

As consumers keep their cars longer, Shaun believes there is opportunity to ensure that those consumers understand the value of KYB versus lower-quality products that are at a cheaper price point. “In the long run, a quality part is an investment that will offer an ROI when either changing the car or the long-term impact on maintenance if they keep the car for years to come.”

Shaun has been married for 20 years to his wonderful and patient wife, and they have three boys who are 18, 16 and 10. He loves running outside, working out, singing Karaoke, retro ‘90s arcade and video games and live music. “It’s never a bad day when you can see somebody on stage and sing along.”

About KYB

KYB Corporation produces ride control, hydraulic, and electronic products for use as original equipment and replacement parts in automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, specialty vehicles, buses, aircraft, railroad cars, industrial applications, agricultural applications, and civil engineering projects. KYB global headquarters are located in Tokyo, Japan.

By consistently developing world class ride control products, KYB has become the world’s largest supplier of OE and aftermarket shocks and struts. Today, our annual sales exceed $4.2 billion. We have thirty-two facilities in twenty-one countries, and 15 manufacturing plants in Asia, the United States, and Europe. The varied uses and applications of KYB products and equipment demonstrate our commitment to helping create a safer, more efficient, and more comfortable society.