After almost two decades at Capricorn and 39 years in the automotive aftermarket, David Fraser has retired

David Fraser has been an inspirational and innovative leader, leading Capricorn, cooperatives and the industry towards success.
At the end of 2024, David Fraser’s nearly four decades in the automotive industry came to an end, with the Capricorn Group Chief Executive Officer officially hanging up the boots and retiring on 31 December 2024.
Throughout his career, David stewarded two of the aftermarket’s biggest WA-born brands – Coventry Group and Capricorn – and dedicated countless hours to forging a strong future for both the automotive aftermarket industry and the cooperative movement.
David joined Capricorn in 2006 as General Manager of Automotive. At the time, Capricorn had about 150 employees and 9,000 Members.
In 2019, David was made Group Chief Executive Officer, and brought in the skills, capabilities and technology he knew were needed to help take Capricorn to the next level.
After five and a half years leading Capricorn, the cooperative has over 30,000 Members who spent $3.7 billion on their Trade Accounts in the 2024 financial year (up from $2 billion in 2019).
David’s legacy will extend beyond Capricorn, as he has played an active role in the development of both the automotive industry and the cooperative movement.
David said the fact Capricorn remained committed to the cooperative principles has been critical to its success.
“It’s the glue that holds us together,” David said.
“That Capricorn continues to invest in working with other cooperatives and building out those relationships is to our benefit, because it means that we can continue to learn from others.”
It is no surprise that in 2022 David was inducted into the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association’s Hall of Fame, and more recently has been inducted into the Business Council for Cooperatives and Mutuals (BCCM) Honour Roll, recognising his contribution to the industry and cooperatives.
“I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to meet a lot of our Members and Preferred Suppliers over the years,” David said.
“We are in our 50th year and my role has always been about making sure that we’re here for the next 50 years. I know with confidence that Brad will carry Capricorn into the future with vision and enthusiasm.”
Brad Gannon, previously the Capricorn Chief Executive Officer Automotive, officially started in the Group Chief Executive Officer role on 1 January 2025.
“I am absolutely thrilled to take on the role of Group CEO following David’s retirement. It is a great honour and I look forward to continuing to deliver an amazing experience for our Capricorn community,” Brad said.
Capricorn sends a huge thank you to David Fraser for his almost two decades at Capricorn, and 39 years in the automotive aftermarket, describing David’s contribution as a leader of Capricorn, cooperatives and the industry at large as inspirational and innovative.

For more from Capricorn, visit www.capricorn.coop