Former AAAA Board Member takes over reins at auto parts conglomerate

BAPCOR has appointed former AAAA Board Member Paul Dumbrell as its Chief Executive Officer following the departure of Noel Meehan.
According to leading website Business News Australia, Noel, who has led BAPCOR for more than two years, resigned from the automotive aftermarket parts group due to family reasons.
“The role of CEO and Managing Director is demanding, and after two years leading BAPCOR through a period of significant change and transformation and establishing a solid base for future growth, I’ve decided it’s the right time for me, and my family, to move away from executive life and focus on what matters most,” Noel was quoted on the website.
Paul will officially take over the Chief Executive Officer position on May 1, with the 41-year-old bringing extensive experience in the automotive aftermarket to the role.
His father, Garry, was a founder of Autobarn, where Paul worked in management roles for many years, and he has recently stepped down as the Chief Executive Officer of Total Tools. Reportedly Total Tools almost doubled its sales revenue under his leadership.
Paul has more than a decade and a half of experience heading automotive and retail businesses, including as Chief Executive Officer of Automotive Brands Group, which included the Autobarn and Autopro retail chains. Automotive Brands was sold to Metcash in 2012, and was later acquired by BAPCOR (then known as Burson Group).
“After leaving Total Tools I had planned to take an extended break, but the opportunity to work alongside the BAPCOR team is an exciting opportunity and I am very much looking forward to working with the leadership team and board to drive shareholder value,” Paul was quoted on Business News Australia.
“I have a long history with BAPCOR, and I look forward to seeing the full potential of the broader group realised into the future alongside the exceptional teams within the business.”
BAPCOR has appointed Non-Executive Director Mark Bernhard as interim CEO.
In other related news, BAPCOR Chair, Margie Haseltine, has advised she will not be standing for re-election at this year’s annual general meeting.
“In thinking about the future success of the business, and given Noel’s decision to retire from executive life, we are focused on ensuring that BAPCOR has the right executive team to drive profitable growth and the right Board to give strategic oversight to the company,” Margie was quoted on Business News Australia.

For more information about BAPCOR, visit www.bapcor.com.au