Chief Executive Officer

Proudly driving industry excellence for over six decades, the Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) is the voice of the automotive service industry in British Columbia and is the largest trade association of its kind in Canada, with over 1,000 business members. By listening to members and adding resources and expertise, the ARA is the force behind automotive industry development across the province. Acting collaboratively, the ARA ensure a healthy, viable future for the automotive industry.

The role of CEO of the Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) has a provincial scope and mandate to advance the interests of a diverse membership that is passionate about their dynamic professions. Determining the best approach for a myriad of issues that impact the membership and public at large, the CEO will work closely with the Board and organizational team to achieve the goals and strategic vision of ARA. The CEO is responsible for building upon a member service-oriented organization that develops and maintains beneficial relationships with members, industry, government and other stakeholders. As an effective spokesperson and ‘the face of the organization’ with government and public, the CEO establishes a clear, confident direction in the province and takes a prominent leadership role for the evolvement of professionals within the various automotive sectors represented by ARA. Furthermore, the CEO ensures efficient operations, ongoing promotion, growth, risk management and effective leadership of the organization.

The ideal candidate is a confident and multi-faceted executive with excellent business acumen and extensive experience leading a complex, multi-stakeholder organization. The role requires an individual who brings outstanding strategic thinking, board governance best practices, communications, government relations, networking, marketing and execution skills. This position also requires genuine collaboration, consensus-driven diplomacy and the proven ability to connect across a large and distinct membership base. Experience within an association setting and familiarity working with a volunteer board would be an asset.