AMA Group has announced a realignment of the company’s business segments, several internal promotions, and appointments to senior leadership positions.
The company said CEO Carl Bizon has initiated a reform and transformation programme “to unlock the inherent value in the group”. The strategy outlines “three dimensions of value” – Partnerships, Production and Procurement. According to AMA, this means building “outstanding commercial relationships” with customers for the long-term, leveraging the technical skills and industry expertise in the business, and securing quality products needed to execute operations on “industry leading terms”.
To leverage expertise in the business, new management reporting segments have been created which AMA says will maximise the value in each business area, paving the way to realise the value of AMA’s “unique position” in the Australian collision repair industry. The new segments are:
- Drive – rapid repairs on cars that are driveable; includes Capital S.M.A.R.T and rapid repair businesses currently part of AMA Panel
- Non-Drive – larger, more complex repairs of cars with more significant damage that are undrivable
- Heavy – truck and bus repairs
- Supply (parts, paint, and consumables)
AMA says the new executive appointments bring a diversity of industrial and corporate experience to the group, ensuring it has the appropriate governance and depth of skills to deliver the board’s vision.
David Marino has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Capital S.M.A.R.T and Executive General Manager – Drive. AMA said that with four years of experience leading the Capital S.M.A.R.T business, the expansion of Marino’s portfolio consolidates the learnings, skills and technologies of the rapid repair businesses across the AMA Group.
The company has also promoted Campbell Jones to the role of Executive General Manager – Non-Drive, after demonstrating his management and leadership capability as Interim CEO of the AMA Panel Division and CEO of ACM Parts.
Following Jones’ promotion, AMA said it will utilise an executive search firm to source a candidate for the Supply segment.
Darren Wales will continue management of the Heavy segment as Executive General Manager – Heavy. AMA said Heavy is an important business segment which continues to be an area of investment, growth and expansion for the group.
AMA has also made a number of external executive appointments. Mathew Cooper has been named Group Chief Operating Officer. He joins the company from Bapcor where he was Executive General Manager – Mechanical. AMA said that in this role, he delivered substantial organic and acquisition growth. Cooper’s career includes roles at Deloitte, General Motors and Metcash. He is MBA qualified and has a background in law and commerce. “Mat’s extensive experience in branch networks and the automotive parts industry will facilitate the acceleration of AMA’s operational strategy,” the group said.
Janelle Leonard has been appointed Group Chief People Officer. Most recently, Leonard was Executive Director People, Culture and Safety at the County Fire Authority (CFA) in Victoria, supporting the organisation through a significant transformation. Her experience also spans people leadership roles at Deakin University, DownerTenix and Amcor. “Janelle’s substantial experience leading large and diverse teams across a variety of industries makes her uniquely placed to support AMA’s employment population of approximately 3800 people,” AMA said.
In another appointment, Alexandra Holston was named Director Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs. AMA says Holston has more than eight years’ experience in investor relations and corporate communications. “Previously at Village Roadshow, Alexandra’s experience working with listed entities across a range of sectors brings a breadth of knowledge to the role. Her background in finance (equity capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions) adds further depth of experience to the AMA leadership team,” AMA said.
Bizon said the appointments provide the industrial, management and leadership capabilities commensurate with the current size of AMA and provide the foundation for the acceleration of the strategy and future growth of the group. “The new structure, leadership team and board appointments support a governance environment appropriate to a listed entity such as AMA,” Bizon added.
AMA also announced the eventual resignation of Chief Financial Officer Steve Becker, who will become Chief Financial Officer of a privately owned healthcare company. Becker’s departure is expected to take place after AMA reports its Financial Year 2021 results in late August. “Steve has been a key member of the AMA leadership team and we are sad to see him go. His professionalism and steady hand have been invaluable as we have navigated significant change over recent years. He will be missed and we wish him well in his future endeavours,” said Bizon.
AMA said it will also utilise an executive search firm to commence recruitment for Becker’s replacement.