Cloyes CEO John Hanighen Named Finalist for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Southwest Award
Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) has announced the finalists for its prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Southwest Award, celebrating the individuals at the helm of transformative businesses that are redefining industries and shaping the future of the global economy. Among the standout finalists for this year’s honor is John Hanighen, CEO of Cloyes Gear & Products, a company widely recognized as a cornerstone of the North American automotive aftermarket industry.
Now in its 40th year, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® program continues to be one of the most prominent and competitive business awards programs in the world. From its inception, it has sought to identify and honor the bold, innovative, and resilient leaders behind high-growth companies—those who embrace innovation, challenge conventions, and create lasting economic and social impact. Finalists are chosen through a rigorous, multi-phase selection process overseen by an independent panel of judges comprised of past award recipients, leading CEOs, private equity and venture capital investors, and other regional business luminaries.
This year’s Southwest cohort includes an elite group of leaders from 42 dynamic companies across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana—individuals who exemplify entrepreneurial excellence through purpose-driven leadership, innovation, and transformative growth. Among them, Hanighen’s nomination signals not only his individual achievements but the continuing rise of Cloyes Gear & Products as a dominant force in the manufacturing sector.
A Testament to Leadership and Vision
“I’m deeply honored to be selected as a finalist,” said Hanighen. “The success we’ve experienced is a testament to the outstanding team and the unique, inclusive, and entrepreneurial culture we’ve fostered at Cloyes.”
Hanighen’s career spans more than three decades in automotive, aftermarket, and performance industries, and since joining Cloyes in 2018 as President and CEO, he has led the company through a remarkable period of innovation, expansion, and operational excellence. Under his guidance, Cloyes has not only strengthened its competitive position but has emerged as a model of modern manufacturing, driven by strategic growth, customer-centric innovation, and a people-first philosophy.
One of the most significant achievements under Hanighen’s leadership has been Cloyes’ aggressive expansion strategy, which includes the strategic acquisitions of Rotomaster and ATI. These acquisitions were not merely exercises in portfolio growth; they represented targeted investments in complementary capabilities that have allowed Cloyes to broaden its product offering, enhance service capabilities, and improve speed to market for customers.
Through these moves, Hanighen has steered Cloyes into new verticals and markets while maintaining the integrity of its brand and core competencies. His leadership has ensured that Cloyes remains synonymous with high-performance engine timing solutions, while also paving the way for product diversification and global expansion.
Driving Innovation Beyond the Product Line
Hanighen’s leadership is not confined to business development and M&A activity. Innovation at Cloyes has extended well beyond the shop floor and product portfolio into how the company trains, educates, and supports its customers. In an industry where technical accuracy and proper installation are critical, Cloyes has established itself as a go-to educational resource for technicians, engine builders, and parts professionals across North America.
The company’s digital training ecosystem includes regularly scheduled live webinars and a YouTube-based video training library that has amassed more than 8 million views. These resources have become essential tools for automotive professionals seeking to improve their technical knowledge and product familiarity.
By investing in education, Cloyes is not only building brand loyalty but also helping to raise the industry standard—an initiative that aligns closely with Hanighen’s broader leadership philosophy: empower customers, invest in employees, and strengthen communities.
“This recognition reflects John’s forward-thinking vision and dedication,” said Daniel Lewis, Senior Vice President of Product and Marketing at Cloyes. “His people-first approach, deep integrity, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire our entire organization.”
Entrepreneurial Spirit at the Core
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® program has long recognized entrepreneurs who challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what is possible. Whether they are bootstrapping startups, leading transformative turnarounds, or guiding multigenerational family enterprises into new eras of growth, the finalists all embody courage, creativity, and a commitment to building long-term value.
Hanighen exemplifies this spirit through his work at Cloyes and his broader influence in the manufacturing and automotive communities. His ability to blend strategic foresight with operational discipline has allowed Cloyes to not only survive but thrive in the face of industry volatility, supply chain disruptions, and evolving customer demands.
“Entrepreneurs play a vital role in driving innovation, job creation, and economic resilience,” said Morgan Watson, Program Director for EY’s Southwest Region Entrepreneur Of The Year. “Our 2025 finalists reflect the highest ideals of what it means to lead with purpose and build something that lasts. John Hanighen is a shining example of this ethos.”
Looking Ahead: National Recognition and Global Stage
Regional award winners from the Southwest program will be unveiled at a special celebration in Dallas on June 21, 2025. These winners will join the ranks of an elite alumni network and go on to be considered for national recognition at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® National Awards, held each November during the Strategic Growth Forum® in Palm Springs, California.
The Strategic Growth Forum is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies in the U.S. It brings together business leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators for a week of networking, knowledge-sharing, and celebration of entrepreneurial excellence.
National winners will then advance to compete on the global stage at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ event, where they will represent the United States in a showcase of global entrepreneurial talent.
A Legacy of Recognizing Excellence
Since its founding in 1986, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® program has recognized over 11,000 business leaders in the United States alone and now spans nearly 60 countries worldwide. It remains one of the most prestigious awards in the business community, known for identifying leaders who not only generate strong business performance but also contribute to society through their values, leadership, and vision.
The U.S. program comprises 17 regional competitions, each with its own panel of judges and awards celebration. These regional programs serve as the first step toward national and global recognition, creating a pipeline of top talent and world-class leadership that extends far beyond borders.
Sponsors Driving Entrepreneurial Growth
The success of the Entrepreneur Of The Year® program is made possible by a network of sponsors who share EY’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and business excellence. Presenting sponsors include PNC Bank, Cresa LLC, Marsh USA, and SAP, while the Southwest region benefits from the support of Platinum sponsors BGSF and Haynes and Boone.
Silver sponsors include Big Picture, EOS Worldwide, Pierpont Communications, and The Slate, each contributing to the program’s reach and impact across the business ecosystem.
About Cloyes Gear & Products
Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Cloyes Gear & Products is a leading manufacturer and global designer, developer, and distributor of mission-critical timing drive systems and components for internal combustion engines. With a rich history spanning more than a century, Cloyes has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality, high-performance products used in both performance and replacement automotive applications.
Cloyes serves a diverse customer base that includes national and local automotive retailers, wholesale distributors, engine builders, and professional technicians. Its products are sold under the Cloyes® brand in North America and under the Dynagear® brand in Mexico.
The company’s long-standing success is rooted in its commitment to technical excellence, customer support, and innovation. Under Hanighen’s leadership, Cloyes has expanded its manufacturing footprint, enhanced its supply chain resilience, and invested heavily in digital platforms to engage and educate customers around the world.
About EY and Its Commitment to Entrepreneurship
EY is a global leader in assurance, consulting, strategy, tax, and transaction services, serving clients in more than 150 countries. Its purpose—building a better working world—drives its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.
Through initiatives like the Entrepreneur Of The Year® program, EY supports visionary business leaders who are addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Enabled by advanced technologies and data-driven insights, EY helps companies develop the agility and resilience needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
EY member firms are independently owned and operated legal entities, and EY Global Limited does not provide services to clients. More information on EY’s services, data policies, and global network is available at ey.com.
Final Thoughts
John Hanighen’s selection as a finalist for the 2025 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® Southwest Award is a recognition of much more than individual achievement. It reflects the story of a company that has embraced change, invested in people, and consistently delivered excellence in a competitive and rapidly evolving industry. Under Hanighen’s stewardship, Cloyes has become a beacon of innovation and resilience—demonstrating that with the right vision, leadership, and team, even a century-old company can lead the charge into the future.
As the business world watches the journey of this year’s finalists unfold, one thing is clear: leaders like John Hanighen are not only shaping their companies—they are shaping the future of entrepreneurship itself.
