RBC Automotive Finance has picked two new executives to head up national accounts and sales.
RBC management told Auto Remarketing Canada the company has chosen Dale Jeffery to lead national accounts, and Wendy Carroll has been appointed to national head of sales.
The moves were effective Nov. 1.
Jeffery will be responsible for leading the national sales team in both commercial and retail businesses, while Carroll — who has been with the company for almost 30 years — is responsible for large dealer groups and dealer consortium sales and account management nationally.
Jeffery has been with RBC since 1997, and has taken on several senior roles in that period, including his most recent at head of portfolio and credit strategy for automotive finance.
Carroll, who joined RBC in 1985, has held progressively more senior positions and most recently was national head of sales for Eastern Canada.
“As we celebrate the one year anniversary of full integration of the Ally Canada portfolio, the breadth of leadership experience and knowledge that Wendy and Dale bring to the table, builds on RBC Auto Finance’s success, and maintains momentum as we move into 2015,” said Ron McClure, head of RBC Automotive Finance. “As automotive specialists, RBC Auto Finance is positioned as a leader in the industry and brings unparalleled value to its dealers and manufacturers to help with their businesses.”
RBC announced back in 2012 a definitive agreement to buy the Canadian auto finance and deposit business of Ally Financial Inc. for a $1.4 billion investment net of excess capital.
Postmedia Network Inc. announced this week its new lineup of staff designed to drive auto sales. The team of sales experts are responsible for integrated advertising and marketing programs for Canada’s automotive marketers, also including its newspaper brands and responsive websites, such as driving.ca, and tablet/smartphone apps.
“Our mission is to provide the best-in-class service and integrated offerings to our most valued automotive clients,” said Andrew MacLeod, Postmedia’s chief commercial officer. “This newly assembled team of professionals will drive our auto strategy and work collaboratively with clients in this very important sector to deliver their marketing objectives.”
Here’s the team’s lineup, according to Postmedia:
- Maria Girimonte McDonald, vice president of sales – With Postmedia for more than six years, responsible for hiring and assembling as well as leading this new team.
- William Cormier, director, national automotive – New to the team formerly of TC Media.
- Angela Steurnagel, manager, automotive media strategy – Automotive expert, Media Strategist and current Postmedia staff.
- Neil Cartagenise, national account executive – With more than 20 years at Postmedia and Financial Post.
- Yasmine Da Silva, national account executive – New to the team, formerly of Quebecor Media.
- Jason Randall, national account exec – New to the team formerly of Canoe/Quebecor Media.
Postmedia is the largest publisher by circulation of paid English-language daily newspapers in Canada, featuring some of the oldest and best-known media brands.
The past two years have been full of expansion and movement for CarProof, as the company entered both the reconditioning and vehicle valuation market.
And it seems change is in the air for management, as well. Announced this morning, Paul Antony, chief executive officer and founding member of CarProof, is stepping into the role of chairman. The news was revealed first in a letter Antony sent out to the company's customers and partners.
As the company enters new automotive industry branches and maturity, still growing since its inception 14 years ago, the skill sets required to lead the company, of course, are changing, too, Antony pointed out.
That said, Antony will be providing strategic vision and insight to the company, while taking a step back from the day-to-day operations.
And the CarProof founder and now chairman has already chosen his replacement for the role of CEO.
Ed Woiteshek has been named CarProof’s new CEO, an exec whose career lies in the investment industry.
Highlighting the new management team member’s history, Woiteshek has spent the last 10 years as a senior investment professional at Hellman & Friedman (H&F), a private equity firm based in San Francisco.
CarProof shared that over the last five years, Woiteshek has been active in researching every major automotive investment asset for H&F in the digital media and information space in North America and Europe, which includes Autodata Solutions, CarProof, ABRA Auto Body & Glass, and Formula one, among others.
While at H&F, Woiteshek led the purchase of a minority share of CarProof and has been on the company’s board of directors for the last 14 months.
So, the new CEO is certainly well-versed in CarProof’s workings, goals and plans already.
The Road To Transparency
Over 14 years ago, CarProof was launched to increase transparency within the automotive industry in Canada — and that same wish drives the company’s growth today, as well.
In a recent interview with Auto Remarketing Canada, Antony said, “We truly believe that transparency in a transaction builds confidence and allows more transactions to occur. That can be B2B (Business-to-Business), B2C (Business-to-Consumer), and C2B (Consumer-to-Business).”
Back in 2004, the “birth” of the CarProof report came about, used by Alberta Registry Agents. And in 2005, auction giants Manheim and ADESA made CarProof VHRs mandatory for all auction vehicles imported for the U.S. — and growth continued from that firm standing.
Now, CarProof offers more than just VHRs.
Last year, it launched its new RECON tool, and this year, the company has entered the vehicle valuation market with its acquisition of Canadian Red Book and plans for a VIN-specific valuation tool to launch in 2015.
CarProof management explained trust and transparency will continue to be even more important as more and more transactions move online — consequently, these two qualities will drive what the company sees as the “next chapter of CarProof.”
As of the end of the year, General Motors Canada will have a new leader.
Stephen Carlisle has been named president and managing director of GM Canada. Carlisle will be succeeding Kevin Williams, who has led the company since 2010.
The automaker reported Williams, who has elected to retire, effective Dec. 31, will stay on to assist in the transition through the end of the year.
Williams is a GM veteran, having joined the company in 1983. During his tenure, he held progressively more senior roles in manufacturing, supplier quality and development, purchasing and service and parts operations in multiple locations around the globe including Canada, Mexico, Germany and the United States.
Prior to his most recent position, Williams served as vice president and general manager of service and parts operations, where he led all GM’s global aftersales businesses.
He also served as president and managing director of GM de Mexico; GM North America vice president of quality and global quality process Leader; and global executive director, supplier quality, development and supplier diversity.
"I'd like to thank Kevin for his leadership and significant contributions throughout a long and distinguished career with GM," said Mary Barra, chief executive officer of GM. "In his most recent assignment, Kevin helped rebuild GM Canada after one of our most challenging periods and has established a solid foundation for growth into the future."
The new president, Carlisle, will report to Alan Batey, president of GM North America.
Carlie previously served as VP of global product planning and program management based in the U.S.
He has also worked as VP, U.S. sales operations, responsible for dealer network, retail sales support and fleet & commercial; as well as president and managing director of GM South East Asia Operations, in addition to leadership positions in Singapore and China. ,
“I’m honoured to have the opportunity to return to Canada and build on the winning foundation established by Kevin and the team over the past four years,” said Carlisle. “Having worked intensely on GM’s world-leading new products and technology strategies, I am excited to bring my enthusiasm and product focus to Canada. I look forward to working with our employees, dealers and other key stakeholders to continue to build an organization that puts the customer at the centre of everything we do.”
Manheim announced today it has chosen a new Canadian vice president. Appointed to the position is Danny Fayad, who will serve as vice president of sales and business development for Canada.
In his new position, the VP will lead both the commercial and dealer account teams in Canada, the company said.
He will also be focusing on solutions designed to enhance the Canadian customer experience.
Fayad and his team will also work to better understand customer needs and to create solutions, watch market trends, and track industry updates, Manheim reported.
Fayad will report to Mike McKinney, regional vice president of operations, East.
“We’re excited to have the experience and strong leadership of Danny on our Canadian team,” McKinney said. “Danny’s wealth of knowledge about the market and auction operations along with his dealer background, bring a great perspective as we continue to develop products and bring new tools to the Canadian marketplace.”
Fayad brings with him over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, with time spend in both retail and wholesale operations.
In 2013, he partnered with Manheim to make Manheim Edmonton and Source Auto Auction the company’s first venture into western Canada.
Previously, Fayad was the executive director of used-vehicle operations of the Priestner Group, also known as Go Auto.
At Go Auto, he was responsible for management of the profitability in the wholesale used-car departments within the group’s structure.
Fayad also is familiar with the dealer side of the business. He previously owned and operates an independent used-vehicle store.
“This is a great opportunity to help build new solutions for both buyers and sellers in Canada,” Fayad said. “Having local market expertise and being backed by the resources of the world’s largest auto remarketer provides a unique advantage, and allows me to drive results for our customers.”
AutoCanada announced today it has chosen a new chief financial officer.
Christopher Burrows has been picked for the position. Effective Sept. 1, Burrows will assume the role of vice president and CFO.
As part of the transition, Jeff Christie, VP of finance, will continue in his current role; and effective Sept. 1, he will be appointed VP of operations.
Commenting upon the changes in senior management, Pat Priestner, chairman and chief executive officer of AutoCanada, stated: "We are very pleased to add Chris to the team. Chris's scope of experience and strong financial background will add further bench strength to an already deep senior management team."
More Background on Burrows
Since 2010, Burrows has served as VP and CFO of K-Bro Linen Systems, a company specializing in providing laundry and linen services to industries such as healthcare and hospitality.
Burrows was responsible for all financial, administrative and corporate services functions including controllers, treasury, tax, financial risk and enterprise reporting, information technology, human resources, strategic planning and legal and regulatory compliance.
Before this experience, Burrows was VP finance, administration and tax with Stuart Olson (formerly The Churchill Corp,), a publicly traded construction and contracting company.
Nissan Canada revealed its choice for director of marketing this week, promoting Steven Rhind to the position.
The move is effective this Sunday. In the new role, Rhind will head up marketing, advertising and digital communications for the Nissan brand in Canada, as well as product planning for the automaker’s line-up.
Rhind has been with Nissan since 2013, when he joined the automaker as senior manager, chief marketing marketing manager, during which he was responsible for sales and marketing for Nissan crossovers, sedans and the all-electric Nissan LEAF.
"Steven was an immediate asset when he joined the Nissan team last year and was an integral part of one of our most successful product launches in recent history — the all-new Nissan Rogue," said Christian Meunier. "We have a lot of great talent at Nissan Canada and we're excited to be able to promote from within the company and have our marketing efforts in Canada, led by Steven and supported by a strong, dedicated team."
Before his tenure with Nissan, Rhind served in a variety of roles in the automotive industry, including product planning, sales and marketing.
He also spent over five years working at an advertising agency, largely focused within the automotive sector.
Rhind is replacing Brian Thomas, who recently left Nissan Canada for personal reasons.
BMW Canada has a new leader.
Hans Blesse assumed the role on Tuesday after the company announced former president and chief executive officer of the BMW Group Canada Eduardo Villaverde was leaving the company.
Villaverde had taken on the role in September 2011 after running the company’s operations in Spain.
Blesse has been with the company for 27 years and has served in the role of vice president of BMW Motorrad USA since 2012. Kris Odwarka succeeds Blesse as VP, BMW Motorrad USA.
“Blesse has achieved success in sales, marketing, aftersales and training with the BMW Group around the world, including Canada, Spain, Germany and the United States,” the company said.
Interestingly, Blesse began with the company in 1987 with what was then the newly founded BMW Canada sales subsidiary and now is returning as its leader.
“I want to thank Eduardo for his years of service to BMW Group and we all wish him well in his new endeavors,” said Ludwig Willisch, chairman and CEO of BMW Group Region Americas. “For Hans Blesse, his new role in Canada will be a homecoming of sorts and I know he will do well in our very important Canadian market. Kris Odwarka has a great passion for motorcycles and he is excited about leading BMW Motorrad and we are expecting great results.”
The automaker’s Canadian arm has experienced a bit of leadership fluctuation over the past few years.
Back in 2009, Franz Jung took the job, and left in 2011 to take over the company’s Italian operations. Manfred Braunl then took the position but only held it for six months before leaving and being replaced by Villaverde.
Donald Romano takes the reins at Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. today as its new president and chief executive officer.
The former chief operating officer is replacing Steve Kelleher in the leadership position, who elected to retire at the end of April after 28 years with the company.
Romano revealed today some of his plans for the company, noting he hopes to “help take the business to the next level”
"In Canada and around the world, Hyundai is a brand with limitless possibilities," said Romano. "Hyundai has established its position as an industry leader by developing world-class products with a reputation for quality, fuel efficiency, premium features customers actually use, and great design. Under Mr. Kelleher's guidance, Hyundai grew into one of Canada's largest and most successful automotive companies. My task, and my opportunity, is to help take the business to the next level."
In terms of how the company may evolve under his leadership, Romano pointed to the all-new Genesis premium sedan and Sonata intermediate sedan as examples.
"Both the Genesis and Sonata showcase our new, more refined and sophisticated design, which is truly representative of what's to come from us. We're focused on elevating the complete Hyundai experience,” he said. “From the first advertisement a customer sees, to our website, to shopping at a Hyundai dealership, to purchase and the entire vehicle ownership experience, every customer touch point will be elevated to new heights. We're committed to leading the industry in customer service by exceeding their expectations."
The Genesis will go on sale at Hyundai dealers this spring while the Sonata will arrive in the summer.
Romano joined the company on Jan. 6, with more than 29 years of automotive experience positions in Canada, the United States, and overseas representing the Nissan, Mazda and Toyota brands.
Romano was president of Mazda Canada from 2006 to 2012.
In 2010 his responsibilities at Mazda expanded to include chief marketing officer and guide the company's marketing activities across North America.
For more information on Kelleher’s tenure at Hyundai Auto Canada, see the following Auto Remarketing Canada story:
Hyundai Auto Canada Leader to Retire
Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. announced late Monday that after 28 years with the company its president and chief executive officer Steve Kelleher will retire on April 30.
Kelleher has been serving in this capacity since 2002.
Replacing Kelleher on May 1 will be chief operating officer Donald Romano.
Commenting on his time with the company Kelleher said, “It's with a tremendous sense of accomplishment and pride that I am able to announce my retirement from Hyundai Auto Canada.
"Working for Hyundai in Canada has been an incredibly rewarding, exciting and challenging experience. My retirement is something I have been working toward for some time and am able to make this step because we have found the right person in Don Romano to take Hyundai to the next level of success,” he continued.
Romano joined the company on January 6, with over 29 years of automotive experience positions in Canada, the United States, and overseas representing the Nissan, Mazda and Toyota brands.
Romano was president of Mazda Canada from 2006 to 2012.
In 2010 his responsibilities at Mazda expanded to include chief marketing officer and guide the company's marketing activities across North America.
"Hyundai has achieved unprecedented sales growth over the past decade. To continue that trend, it will be my responsibility to challenge all aspects of our operations and elevate our performance in every area of our business," said Romano.
The Past 10 Years
In revealing the executive change, Hyundai Auto Canada also took the time to look back on Kelleher’s tenure with the company.
"We would like to recognize Mr. Kelleher's unparalleled service to the Hyundai brand and congratulate him on a truly exceptional career," said Tak Uk Im, executive vice president and COO, head of international operations division, Hyundai Motor Co. "Due to his courage and skilled leadership, Hyundai grew remarkably and emerged as a leader in Canada. For 28 years he served with honor, distinction, and the strength of character. We are, and shall remain, forever grateful."
Kelleher spent 10 years with the Ford Motor Company of Canada, and joined Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. in 1986.
This was just three years after the brand first entered the Canadian marketplace.
Kelleher began his work with the company in the parts department and eventually became the director of parts and service in 1995.
In 1997, he was named vice president of sales, marketing, parts, and service, before entering his most current position as president and CEO in 2002.
“Hyundai's most dramatic growth in the Canadian market was during Kelleher's tenure as president and CEO,” company officials said.
The company offered the following example:
In 2002, the company sold 66,917 new vehicles from a line-up of products bearing six nameplates and found at 156 dealerships nationwide.
In 2013, a record total of 137,100 vehicles were sold — more than double what was sold in 2002 — from 210 dealerships showcasing 12 nameplates.
"On behalf of all the Hyundai employees and dealers that have worked with Mr. Kelleher over the years, I would like to thank him for his visionary guidance," said Romano. "The single best way we can honor his investment of time and energy is to dedicate ourselves to our business and ensure Hyundai continues to succeed. He has led us on a path to new heights, and it's now our responsibility to continue that trend."
