ETI announces Christopher Bowman as Executive Director ETI US
The Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) has announced the appointment of Christopher Bowman as Executive Director of ETI US, effective April 1. Bowman previously served as ETI's Technical Director and as a memebr of the ETI Board of Directors.
Bowman has been involved with ETI and its member community for more than 15 years. Through his many roles, Bowman has worked closely with ETI members, vehicle manufacturers, and industry stakeholders.
In his work with ETI's technical initiatives and vertical groups, Bowman has helped facilitate discussions and cooperation around evolving vehicle technologies, service information access, and diagnostic standards that support the broader automotive reapir industry. Bowman has been involved in industry discussions surrounding emerging service technologies and the evolving landscape of vehicle data access and diagnostics.
ETI thanked Winston Lee for his leadership wile service as interim Executive Director during the transition period following the retirement of former Executive Director Brian Plott. Lee will continue in his role as Managing Director of ETI Europe.
The announcement comes on the eve of ETI ToolTech 2026, taking place April 20-23 at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida.
A word from ETI
“ETI has always been a place where competitors can come together to solve shared challenges for the good of the industry,” said Bowman. “I’m honored to step into this role and build on the strong foundation that has been established. I look forward to working with our members, partners, and staff to strengthen collaboration and help the industry navigate the rapid evolution of vehicle technology.”
“On behalf of the ETI Board of Directors, I’m very excited to welcome Chris as ETI US’s next Executive Director,” said Chris Bahlman, ETI Board President. “The technical expertise and passion for the industry that Chris brings will enable ETI to accelerate its strategic plan and address the needs of a wider variety of stakeholders across the automotive service and repair industry. He is known to many of the members and OEMs already, which will help build on the strong relationships the Institute has fostered.”
More from ETI
ETI Executive Director Brian Plott retires
Plott leaves after six years in the organization and decades in the industry.
Everything you need to know about ToolTech 2026
In this video, PTEN Editor-in-Chief Nadine Battah sits down with Winston Lee, one of the organizers behind ETI ToolTech, to discuss ETI ToolTech 2026 and the role it plays in the automotive tool and equipment industry.