Stuart Charity is a passionate, well-respected industry leader, having served the automotive industry in various roles across a distinguished career. Stuart is CEO of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), which represents 4,100member businesses and the entire automotive aftermarket, an industry that contributes $25B annually to the economy.

Stuart’s previous career experience has enhanced his knowledge and market understanding, allowing him to make informed strategic decisions and offer respected insights. Before his time at AAAA, Stuart served as the Executive Director of the Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia (SAE-A). Earlier, as the Automotive Industry Specialist with Austrade, Stuart successfully assisted automotive component manufacturers in developing new export markets.

Rob Cameron is the Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of GPC Asia Pacific. GPC Asia Pacific is the largest automotive aftermarket and industrial parts supplier in Australia and New Zealand with annually revenue of over $3.7B.

Rob has been involved in the Automotive Aftermarket since 1992 having commenced his career with ABW Tools before moving to Stanley when they acquired ABW. In 2003, Rob joined GPC Asia Pacific as the CFO for Ashdown-Ingram and became the Executive General Manager of that business in 2007. In January 2017, Rob was appointed the Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer for GPC Asia Pacific.

Rob has Bachelor degrees in IT and Commerce from Griffith University as well as extensive executive education from Wharton, Monash University, China-European International Business School (CEIBS) in Shanghai and IESE in Spain. Recently Rob completed a course in Artificial Intelligence and business strategy from M.I.T.

Graeme Whickman is an accomplished executive and automotive industry leader with more than 25 years of international experience spanning Australia, New Zealand, Canada, China, ASEAN and the UK. He is currently the CEO and Managing Director of Amotiv Limited, an ASX-listed automotive aftermarket group focused on performance, innovation, and sustainable growth.

At Amotiv, Graeme leads a portfolio of respected brands that support the independent aftermarket across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. He has played a key role in positioning Amotiv for long-term growth in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. Prior to Amotiv, Graeme spent 19 years with Ford Motor Company, where he held a series of senior leadership positions, including President & CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand.

Graeme contributes actively to the broader automotive sector. He was previously a board member of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and currently sits on the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) Board, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing the industry through collaboration and advocacy. Graeme holds a Bachelor of Business in Marketing from the Auckland University of Technology.

Benjamin joined Super Retail Group in July 2019 as Managing Director – Supercheap Auto. Benjamin holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from the University of Newcastle and is an experienced retail executive with 25 years in senior management roles across Australia, UK, US and Europe, including two decades with international supermarket giant ALDI.

Previously, he was Managing Director, Global Business Coordination for ALDI Supermarkets based in Germany. Benjamin also held various senior leadership roles at ALDI in Operations, Merchandising, Transformation and Change Management.

Rod was appointed as Group Chief Executive for the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) in November 2020. A 30-year veteran in policy development, industry engagement and tertiary education, Rod has spent the last 25-years at the executive level, leading significant organisational change at leading government agencies, Government owned companies and industry and private sector organisations. Rod has also been involved in proceedings with international organisations including the OECD, UNESCO and the G20 Human Capital Taskforce and has considerable experience at the Board level.

Peter Rogers is the National Manager of Repco Authorised Service, one of Australia’s leading workshop networks with over 550 locations. Peter holds a unique perspective on the industry, developed through 30 years working in or around parts distribution, specialist chains and general workshops, combined with SME experience operating a specialist Marketing Services business. Peter has served as a AAAA Board member for more than 10 years.

Mike Weber is the owner of Prestige and Performance, one of Brisbane’s leading independent European vehicle specialists, with workshops in Coorparoo and Capalaba. With over 20 years of industry experience, Michael has built a strong reputation for high-quality servicing, diagnostics, repairs and performance upgrades for VW, Audi, BMW and Mercedes vehicles.

After qualifying as a mechanic in 2003, Michael identified a gap in the market for dedicated European vehicle servicing and opened his first workshop in 2007. Since then, his business has grown significantly, expanding to two state-of-the-art facilities and a highly skilled team. Michael is hands-on in overseeing both sites and remains passionate about technical training, investment in advanced diagnostics, and delivering a genuine dealership alternative to Brisbane’s European car owners.

Ron Atkinson is the Managing Director and a founding member of Future Auto Service Centres, a prominent network of automotive service and repair workshops based in Queensland, Australia. With over 36 years of experience in the automotive industry, Ron has been instrumental in establishing Future Auto as a trusted name in vehicle servicing and repairs.
Alongside his wife, Paola Atkinson, Ron operates the Brendale branch of Future Auto. Their commitment to high-quality service has earned them recognition, including the multiple Business Achievers Awards and induction into the Business Achievers Hall of Fame.
Ron is known for his straightforward approach to vehicle servicing, emphasizing honest work at realistic prices.
Beyond his business endeavours, Ron is actively involved in industry advocacy. He supports initiatives like the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association’s (AAAA) “Choice of Repairer” campaign, which aims to ensure consumers can choose their preferred service providers without compromising vehicle warranties.
He was involved in the establishment of the national ARCA council of which he represented Queensland for numerous years.
Ron shares his insights on the automotive industry through articles on LinkedIn, his passion for training is unwavering and he believes our Industry should prepare for the Future that is coming.

Ryan Davis is the founder of Mechanic.com.au, a national platform representing a network of over 20,000 workshop owners and technicians across Australia. Built on a foundation of community and collaboration, the platform brings together a broad cross-section of the automotive repair industry – including generalist workshops, specialists, and chain-affiliated businesses. Drawing on direct conversations and shared experiences within this network, Ryan joins the panel to share real-world insights into how ‘all makes, all models’ repairers are responding to the growing complexity of today’s car parc.

Steve Grocl is the Manager of J&F Motors, a family-operated workshop that has been servicing the Richmond area for over 55 years. While the business specialises in European vehicles—particularly those from the Volkswagen Group—it caters to all makes and models. Employing a team of 10, J&F Motors is currently undergoing expansion to meet the demands of servicing modern vehicles and emerging technologies. Steve is actively involved with industry bodies including the AAAA and VACC, and is a committed voice on key issues such as Right to Repair and the challenges posed by future vehicle technologies.

Priscilla Robb is a dynamic and results-driven Marketing Manager with over 21 years of experience in the Australian and New Zealand automotive & industrial aftermarkets. She has recently joined the Penrite Oil family, after leading a high-performing marketing team at Gates Australia Pty Ltd for over 20 years. Priscilla has successfully managed marketing budgets to deliver ROI and launched impactful campaigns, including the Gates Apprentice Program.

She is known for her strategic planning, project and brand management skills, working alongside sales teams driving consistent growth and delivering business results. Priscilla holds a Bachelor of Commerce/Arts from Monash University and a Diploma of Business (Marketing) from Swinburne University. She is also an inaugural awardee of the AAAA ‘Women at the Wheel’ award and a member of the AAAA Women Committee.

Chelsea Lawson is a qualified light vehicle mechanic in Brisbane’s North. She began her apprenticeship in 2017 through a school based apprenticeship. She worked in dealerships for the first few years of her apprenticeship but found the environment difficult to thrive in.
After trialing university for a while, she then went back to the automotive industry, finding an independent workshop where she has had the support to succeed and go on to win multiple awards.

As well as spending her days working on all makes and models of cars, she is a keen advocate for women in trades and expanding the reach of the automotive industry.

Donna Dejkovski is Senior Manager Training Products for the Jobs and Skills Council representing the Mining and Automotive sectors.

Donna draws on 20 + years’ experience in building workforce capabilities to identify and articulate competencies and develop targeted learning solutions and support resources. She has an in-depth working knowledge of training package development and the Australian Vocational Education and Training sector having developed nationally endorsed qualifications and resources across diverse sectors including construction, financial services, aged care and early childhood education.

James is the Founder and Creative Director at AusGarage, a creative advertising agency specialising in the automotive and outdoor industry. Alongside his team of creatives and marketers, he focuses on brand strategy and results driven execution for household names such as Century Batteries, Rain-X, Monroe and the AAAA.

James has a passion for combining data-driven insights, creativity, and authentic storytelling to drive consumer behaviour through strategic brand messaging.

Ignited by an early found passion for anything with an engine, James has been heavily involved in the automotive advertising space for 14 years. From national campaigns, motorsport event management and promotion, to working with local workshops to fill their hoists.

Adele Goodwin has lived and breathed the automotive industry for over 20 years, working across car audio, dealership roles and, since 2006, co-owning a successful workshop with her husband, Brook. After joining the workshop full-time in 2012, Adele harnessed the power of authentic social media to triple their revenue, client base and team in just 12 months.

Today, Adele runs both the workshop and Just Boost Digital, a business dedicated to helping other workshops grow through real-world digital marketing strategies. Her hands-on experience gives her a unique perspective—everything she teaches is tested in her own business first. Adele knows that when social media is done right, it’s a game-changer for the automotive industry.

Michael Carnemolla is a qualified vehicle technician with 28 years of experience in the automotive industry.

In 2013, he started his own business at 313 Automotive, in a brand-new purpose-built workshop in Russell Lea. The business has grown during this time, now employing 8 full time staff.

Michael has extended his mechanical experience to include: advanced diagnostics in hybrid vehicles, automotive electrical and marine mechanical. He is committed to keeping abreast of vehicle technology advancements, such as EFI diagnostics and hybrid vehicles.

As evidence of his commitment to investment in sustainable practices, Michael is proud that his workshop is MTA Green Stamp carbon footprint neutral accredited and has won awards for sustainability including the Canada Bay Council Sustainability Award (2018) and the Canada Bay Council overall “Environmental Business Award” in 2021.

Michael serves on the following industry councils and committees: Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) board member, Australian Automotive Services Dealer Network (AASDN) Vice Chairman, Automotive Repairers Council of Australia (ARCA) Committee board member, MTA NSW Member.

Steve is a director at Sydney-based market research agency Fifth Quadrant, with over 30 years of experience in the research industry spanning Australia, Europe, and Asia. He works with leading Australian and international organisations, helping them harness customer insights to identify strategic opportunities and drive growth. A thought leader in the intersection of AI, technology, and business strategy, Steve brings deep expertise in applying research to solve real-world challenges. Steve’s presentation will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the automotive aftermarket and broader business landscape.

Janelle is a passionate advocate for Australian small business and the automotive aftermarket, building and running a high growth disruptive entrant in the industry. Blue Toro is one of Australia’s largest networks of independent repairers supporting local businesses to run better businesses so they can build intergenerational wealth for their families, while best serving their local communities. Janelle is an author, a multi-award winner for product and market innovation; and has been a regular in the media advocating for the automotive aftermarket. Janelle has served 7 years on the AAAA Board and is the current Secretary. 

Emma is the Principal Lawyer and Director of Industry Legal Group Pty Ltd (ILG) which delivers the AAAA Employer Assist member service in partnership with the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association.

Emma is admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Queensland and has a dual degree in Business Management and Law. Emma is an experienced employment lawyer with a special knowledge and understanding of the industry having provided workplace relations advice and support to the Automotive Aftermarket industry for more than 7 years.

Kelly is a third-generation automotive professional, trade-qualified expert, and working mum. She and her husband started their first workshop in 2009, scaling it into a multi-million-dollar business while raising three young children. After selling the business in 2024 for a significant profit, Kelly now helps others in the industry achieve success.

With a career shaped by resilience and hard work, Kelly combines her deep industry knowledge with personal experience to share practical strategies for growing businesses, improving productivity, and balancing work and family life. She continues her passion for the trade while running a specialist workshop in Jindabyne.

Jeff is the consummate automotive technician professional who believes passionately in the need for constant training to stay ahead in the automotive repair industry.
He owns and operates two auto electrical, general repair and air conditioning workshops in Sydney, and he was instrumental in establishing The Automotive Technician network with two partners in 2007.

Jeff has toured widely throughout Australia and New Zealand delivering technical workshops and training sessions, and as a result of a co-branded business training project, has concentrated on helping workshop operators manage their businesses more effectively and profitably.
He and his workshops have won many awards for technical and business expertise and Jeff has undertaken countless post trade courses in all areas of mechanical and Auto electrical and electronics.

Craig Baills has over thirty years of experience and success in the automotive industry, as both a technician and business owner.

As a director with the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), MTAQ Committee member and owner of two workshops – Highfield Mechanical and Hi-Mech Auto Solutions Craig has a broad understanding of the automotive industry and the challenges and opportunities facing the aftermarket.

From workshop management, developing key customer relationships and aftermarket support, Craig has a track record of success implementing processes that improve efficiency, reduce costs and ultimately increase revenues in line with company objectives.

Craig has a deep desire to leave the automotive industry in a better place than when he started, and help other automotive aftermarket workshops survive and grow in a rapidly changing industry and enjoys sharing his knowledge at industry events across the country.

After completing his commerce degree at the University of Sydney, Geoff became a chartered accountant where he gained an understanding of the financial frustrations of small business.

In 2010 Geoff joined forces with Jeff Smit to form TaT Biz which is the business training arm of The Automotive Technician (TaT)

Apart from regular training events, Geoff works one-on-one with auto mechanical workshop owners, helping them implement better and more profitable business practices and regain full control of their business.

In 2016 Geoff became a Director of TaT and was appointed the General Manager.

Nigel Bishop is the National Membership and Marketing Manager at the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association, with more than 20 years of experience across communications, sales, marketing and stakeholder engagement in the automotive aftermarket.

Nigel leads both the AAAA’s national marketing efforts and the Membership Development team, driving campaigns that raise the profile of the industry and deliver value to members. His passion for advocacy and deep understanding of the sector support AAAA’s work both domestically and in key international markets.

Transformative CEO with a consistent track record delivering exceptional growth in high growth, declining, and challenging environments experiencing significant pressures to performance. Steve’s ability to drive outcomes through people has pivotal in his working career, a catalyst, and executor, of customer-centred change. A belief that customer centricity is the cornerstone of business success, that this is only through top-down and inside-out customer-led transformation that genuinely positions customer insight as the custodian of decision making, values and behaviours, that we can position businesses as market leaders.
Key to delivering this, of course, is visible, clear, engaging leadership and a focus on how we enable our people to live and breathe the customer, through efficient process, clear strategy and incentive structures that are connected and purposeful. Illustrated through regional turnarounds (Europe), double digit revenue and EBIT growth (APAC) and improved revenue penetration (North America), Steve is an adaptable and agile leader, capable of transitioning between business types, sizes and regions to drive unprecedented business profitability and growth.

Adele Coswello is the Chief Customer Officer of mycar Tyre & Auto. She is passionate about bringing subject matter experts from diverse backgrounds together to build successful transformation programs that deliver a better outcome for the customer. Responsible for analysing and enhancing every customer touchpoint mycar has across its network of more than 275 Australian stores, mobile vans and online, Adele has led the implementation of mycar’s Care Beyond the Car transformation, launched when mycar changed its name from Kmart Tyre & Auto Service in 2018.

Having previously worked with well-known and established brands including Bunnings Warehouse, Wesfarmers, EMI Group, Credit Suisse and Deloitte, Adele centred her role as Chief Customer Officer of mycar in 2020 after serving as Chief Financial Officer of the group since its inception in 2018.

Adele has a unique skill set, being an expert in bringing diverse teams across specialties including Marketing, Merchandise, Customer Care, Finance, Online and Business Development together to deliver exceptional business evolution programs.

Dudley Leighton is a seasoned mechanic and business owner with over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry. He is the owner of GPD Automotive / Future Auto Northgate, where he combines technical expertise with strong leadership. In 2021, Dudley founded AutoOptix, a digital platform designed to bridge the gap between workshops and customers by enhancing transparency & trust whilst increasing profitability in automotive workshops.

Lesley Yates is Director of Government Relations and Advocacy for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association. Lesley manages AAAA advocacy campaigns, designing creative and innovative solutions to address the greatest challenges facing our industry and then lobbying and encouraging government to make the right decisions to support our industry.

In 2021, after a decade of AAAA campaigning for fair and open competition, the new motor vehicle repair law was passed in Australian Parliament. This legislation is the result of a tireless and persistent grassroots campaign by the AAAA. Lesley is now tackling our ongoing substantial industry challenges, including the workforce shortage crisis and government vehicle modification regulations.

Rob Mildenhall is a senior automotive industry leader with more than two decades of experience directing sales teams and delivering strong results across the supply chain. His leadership strengths—strategy, communication and empowerment—are underpinned by his passion, determination and confidence.

Rob’s career includes senior roles such as General Manager of Gearmax (formerly Borg Warner), Business Development Manager for Capricorn in South Africa, and National Panel Manager for Capricorn’s collision sector in Australia. He has spent 21 years specialising in OEM and collision repair, and served as Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association, the Business Chamber, and on the RMI Board and Executive Committee in South Africa.

Since 2018, Rob has focused on the growing ADAS sector, working with leading suppliers and advocating for access to OEM repair methods for the independent repair market.

Thomas Hatch is the Head of Technical Transformation at mycar Tyre & Auto, bringing a hands-on, solutions-driven mindset shaped by his upbringing on a remote family farm. From fixing machinery to building systems and leading teams, Tom applies practical skills with strategic insight to drive business-wide transformation.

Technically minded and deeply analytical, Tom is known for his precision, creative problem-solving and commitment to continuous improvement. He combines a strong technical foundation with a passion for developing new ideas, systems and technologies. His leadership is defined by high personal standards, attention to detail, and a focus on getting things done—accurately and efficiently.

As the Head of Equipment & Tools at CoolDrive Auto Parts, Matthew leads the company’s growing Tools and Equipment division. With more than 30 years in the automotive industry, Matthew brings experience in diagnostic tool manufacturing at OEM and aftermarket levels.

Early in his career he completed an automotive apprenticeship in the family business, which gave him a solid foundation, and understanding of the automotive industry. His passion for the industry and commitment to quality now drive his work at CoolDrive, where he’s focused on expanding the product offering and strengthening the company’s position in the diagnostic and equipment sector. Matthew is known for his hands-on approach, customer focus and drive to deliver the very best tools and support to workshops across the country.

Dale Durden brings more than 30 years of experience in sales, supply and distribution across the automotive aftermarket. Currently General Manager – Sales & Branch Operations at CoolDrive Auto Parts, Dale combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for supporting independent workshops nationwide.

Holding an MBA and serving on the AAAA Board, Dale is a respected leader whose strategic insight and commitment to service excellence continue to make a strong impact across the sector

Barbara has over 20 years leading People & Culture teams in organisations across both private and public sectors in Australia and New Zealand. Having worked with Amotiv (formerly GUD Holdings) for the past five years, Barbara describes moving to her current role as Amotiv’s Chief People Officer as one of the best decisions made in her career to date.

Barbara loves working with great people in support of creating a culture where people can thrive and be their authentic and ‘best self’ at work – firmly believing that by putting people at the heart of what an organisation does, great commercial, professional, and personal outcomes can be achieved.

Aileen Hayes is the Chief People Officer at GPC Asia Pacific the largest automotive aftermarket and industrial parts supplier in Australia and New Zealand.

Aileen has been in the Automotive Industry for over 15 years.  Prior to joining GPC,  Aileen spent several years in HR and Operations roles with the Home Depot North America.  She started her career in the aviation sector with Airways Air Traffic control New Zealand before holding various HR Manager and Strategy consulting roles in the United Kingdom.

As Chief People Officer, Aileen is responsible setting and overseeing the execution of the business’s overall people strategy harnessing her passion for attracting and retaining incredible talent and developing a highly capable, customer centric and engaged team.  Promoting our industry to attract the next generation of aftermarket talent is a passion and crucial focus.  

With a degree in Psychology, Aileen has also completed several Executive Education programs at Wharton and Emory University USA and Monash University.

Aileen is also proud member of AAAAWomen, championing careers for women in the automotive aftermarket.

Fiona Murphy is the Chief People Officer at mycar Tyre & Auto. In this role, Fiona is responsible for HR, Safety, Talent, Internal Communications, L&D and Sustainability. Prior to joining mycar, Fiona held senior HR roles across many industries and three continents, including education; community services; not for profit; retail; media; technology; and engineering. With qualifications in psychology and law, Fiona’s expertise spans employee relations, employee engagement, learning and organisational development, and workplace health and safety.

She is passionate about building great cultures and ensuring organisations have a people-first focus. In addition to her role at mycar, Fiona was Deputy Chair of the Automotive Light Vehicle Industry Reference Council for a number of years and is now a proud member of AAAAWomen, championing careers for women in the automotive aftermarket.

Merryl joined Bapcor in October 2022 as Chief People and Culture Officer.
Merryl is an experienced strategic executive who has held Chief People Officer (CPO) roles for over 10 years across entertainment, retail and fashion.
Merryl is a commercial and empowering leader with a global mindset and proven experience in facilitating cultural and transformational change, with a passion for building values-led, inclusive organisations.
She was Chief People and Sustainability Officer at Decjuba and prior to that was the CPO at Tabcorp Holdings Limited for over 10 years where she had accountability for People, Culture, Safety and Communications.
Merryl holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of NSW, and a Bachelor of Arts (Education) from Melbourne University. She is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and President of the Williamstown Football Club and a member of the Hawthorn Football Club nominations committee.

Ben Selwyn is a highly experienced research analyst, who has spent over 15 years advising clients in automotive, telecommunications, financial services, technology and the public sector.
He leads the fifth quadrant automotive practice in providing strategic insights to leading aftermarket suppliers, and works closely with the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) on its market intelligence program.

Ben is an expert at working with big data and making it relevant to day-to-day business decision making. He is highly valued for his analysis of trend data and his ability to predict future trends and how the industry should respond to these trends.

Brendan Sorensen is a seasoned workshop manager and lead diagnostician with expertise in business management, public speaking, and technical training. As Technical Director of The Automotive Technician (TaT), he shares practical vehicle insights through a bi-monthly magazine, diagnostic programs, technical support, and training via webinars, live sessions, and YouTube.
A director on the VASA board and recipient of the 2022 AAAA Young Achiever Award, Brendan is passionate about advancing the automotive trade through education. Known nationwide in the training circuit, he excels at simplifying complex concepts into actionable insights for technicians.

Committed to staying ahead of emerging technologies, Brendan focuses on advanced diagnostics and efficiency innovations in the evolving automotive industry. He also manages Steve Sorensen Mechanical, his family’s Brisbane-based workshop.

Edward Tapley brings a rare mix of strategic acumen and real-world experience to the forefront of automotive innovation. As Head of Business Development at Podium, Ed has been instrumental in forging partnerships that redefine how automotive businesses engage customers in today’s digital-first landscape. With a career spanning impactful roles across business development and account management, and a solid grounding in international relations and public policy, he offers both insight and execution.