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Speakers
Paul Williams
Chair, Canadian Automotive Dealers Association (CADA)
Vice President & Dealer Principal, Centaur Subaru
Friday Luncheon Address
Paul Williams, the newly appointed Chairman of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) as of October 2024, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role. With over three decades at the helm of Centaur Subaru in Calgary as Vice President and Dealer Principal, Paul has made significant contributions to the automotive industry both locally and nationally.
Paul has held various influential positions throughout his career, including Chairman of the Motor Dealer Association of Alberta in 2011 and President of the Calgary Motor Dealer Association in 2010, where he remains an active board member. His long-standing involvement with the Calgary International Auto & Truck Show, a tradition started by his father, further showcases his deep roots in the automotive community.
In addition to his dealership work, Paul has been a Board Director and Advisor for Subaru Canada and contributed to the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council. His commitment to industry excellence earned him the Alberta Motor Dealers Association Dealer of Excellence award in 2017.
Now leading CADA as Chairman, Paul continues to advocate for the advancement of Canada’s automotive dealers, ensuring the industry’s sustainability and growth.
Brian Benstock is the General Manager and Vice President of Paragon Honda and Paragon Acura, the top-certified Honda and Acura dealers in the world. Based in Queens, NY, these dealerships are rapidly expanding, consistently selling over 1,000 cars per month, averaging 34 cars per day.
A visionary in the automotive industry, Benstock is a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and podcast host. His insights and innovative strategies have earned him interviews with major media outlets including CNN Money, FOX Business, Bloomberg Technology, CBS News, Automotive News, The John Batchelor Show, and The New York Daily News.
Brian Benstock
Paragon Honda
Elite Level Performance - Dealer Perspective
Steve Greenfield
Automotive Ventures
Automotive Technology and Industry Roadmap
Steve Greenfield is the visionary founder and CEO of Automotive Ventures, a leading venture capital firm dedicated to investing in early-stage automotive technology and mobility startups. With over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Steve has been at the forefront of innovation, having held key leadership positions at industry giants such as Manheim, AutoTrader.com, CarLingo, and TrueCar. Throughout his career, he has facilitated over $1 billion in automotive technology acquisitions, making him a recognized expert in the field.
Steve is also a prolific author and speaker, known for his insightful perspectives on the future of automotive retail. His book, “The Future of Automotive Retail,” is a comprehensive guide that explores the rapid technological advancements reshaping the industry. As a sought-after keynote speaker, Steve shares his deep knowledge and forward-looking vision at conferences and in media outlets worldwide.
Beyond his professional achievements, Steve is committed to mentoring the next generation of automotive entrepreneurs and innovators. He is the creator of AutoTech’s Got Talent, a platform that showcases emerging automotive technologies, and he regularly contributes to industry publications and podcasts, providing thought leadership and strategic insights.
Mathew Growden is a notable figure in the automotive industry, particularly recognized for his role at Google Canada as the Head of the Auto Retail Team. With a strong background in digital marketing and automotive retail, Mathew has contributed significantly to the industry’s understanding and adoption of digital solutions.
Throughout his career, Mathew has focused on enhancing the digital experiences of car buyers and dealerships. He has been instrumental in promoting the use of online tools and strategies to improve customer engagement and streamline operations in the automotive sector. His insights are frequently sought after at industry events and webinars, where he discusses trends such as the increasing demand for digital car-buying solutions and the integration of modern technology in automotive marketing.
Mathew Growden
Growdy.wtf
Panelist + SuperHost
Rhys Albrecht
Bannister Automotive Group
Future of Marketing
Rhys has spent much of his working life growing companies. After successful stints with large corporations like Starbucks and Disney, he broke out on his own to build a thriving wedding photography business. It was through building this award-winning business that Rhys developed his love of marketing, from graphic design and technical writing, to website development, SEO, targeted digital advertising, and data analysis. He joined the Bannister Automotive group in March 2019, and has been a crucial part of their successful growth and acquisition strategy. When he’s not working, you can usually find Rhys in his garden or cheering for the Edmonton Oilers.
Erik conducts research on financial product market trends, emerging risks and macroeconomic trends for the Bank. He plays a central role in the Department’s coverage of the auto sector. He also provides support to BMO’s internal risk management processes.
Prior to joining BMO Economics, Erik worked in credit risk modelling for BMO’s regulatory and stress testing platforms.
Erik joined BMO Economics in 2020. He holds graduate degrees in economics from the University of California, Berkeley and Queen’s University.
Erik Johnson
BMO Economics
Automotive Economic Outlook
Christos Nikitopoulos
General Manager for Business Development at The Trade Desk
Future of Marketing
Christos Nikitopoulos is the General Manager for Business Development in Canada at The Trade Desk where he works with marketers and agencies to drive better customer outcomes and reach new audiences through a data-driven toolkit.
Prior to joining The Trade Desk, Christos was head of Agency for Google Canada, and before that he led the Revenue Planning and Strategy team for Rogers Media, and the Olympic Media Consortium’s Programming and Revenue Strategy for the record setting Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Games.
Christos also spent over a decade at CBC working on some of Canada’s biggest sporting events including Hockey Night in Canada, the FIFA World Cup, the CFL Grey Cup, F1, and much more.
John is the previous owner of Rose City Ford. John sat on many committees on behalf of dealers including past chairman of the Ford Dealer Advertising association, past president of the Ontario Automobile Dealers Association and the Board of directors of CADA. John’s 38 years of dealer and retail experience and knowledge are assets in any Buy/Sell transaction. John understands how dealers work and think and has the highest regard for their investments. He is intimately aware of the emotions and financial logistics involved in succession and growth opportunities, having undergone the buy/sell process several times in his career.
John Chisholm
Vice President of Sales, Canada - DSMA
Ashley Wolfe
Owner and Operator of the Wolfe Automotive Group
Dealer - OEM Relationships
Ashley Wolfe is a trailblazing fourth-generation owner and operator of the Wolfe Automotive Group, one of the few women leading an automotive dealership group in an industry historically dominated by men. Her great-grandfather, F.J. Wolfe, founded Edmonton Motors Limited in 1925, now known as Wolfe Cadillac, the oldest Cadillac dealership in Western Canada. Under Ashley’s leadership, the Wolfe Automotive Group has expanded to include six dealerships in Canada and two in Montana, including the recent acquisition of Jim Taylor Motors in Fort Benton.
Initially planning a career with the FBI after graduating from Arizona State University, Ashley entered the automotive industry at her father’s urging and quickly fell in love with the business.
Ashley is passionate about the industry’s innovation and is a strong advocate for maintaining great working relationships with the OEMs they represent.
Andrew Lemoine’s entrepreneurial journey began early, marked by a natural talent for sales and a deep passion for the automotive industry. Starting his career at a dealership, he quickly rose through the ranks—from detailer to top salesperson, and impressively, to sales manager before turning 19. By 25, he had become a General Manager. Driven by a desire to innovate, Andrew left his established career in retail to explore the tech industry, founding Autocorp.ai in 2021. This fintech company is transforming automotive credit and financing, earning recognition as the 4th fastest-growing company in Ottawa and one of Canada’s fastest-growing Auto Tech firms. A competitive leader committed to continuous improvement, Andrew believes in leading by example and cultivating a winning company culture. As a lifelong learner and passionate serial entrepreneur, he enjoys connecting with like-minded individuals on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Andrew Lemoine
CEO, Autocorp.ai
Fighting Automotive and Consumer Fraud
Mike Mazgay
Vice President of Automotive Partnerships & Dealer Operations at SiriusXM Canada
Infotainment and Technology
From 2011 to 2013, Michael took on the role of General Sales Manager at Pickering Volkswagen before returning to SiriusXM Canada. At SiriusXM, he advanced through various leadership roles, including Director and later Senior Director of Fleet & Remarketing, Automotive, from 2013 to 2019. Today, Michael serves as the Vice President of Automotive Partnerships & Dealer Operations at SiriusXM Canada, where he continues to leverage his extensive industry knowledge.
Michael earned his degree in Business Administration with a focus on Automotive Marketing from Georgian College, where he studied from 1997 to 2000.
Fenton Bolden is a seasoned expert in the automotive industry with a specialized focus on fixed operations. With over 35 years of experience, Fenton has successfully driven revenue growth and operational efficiency in more than 125 Canadian dealerships. His deep understanding of service department dynamics and customer retention strategies has made him a sought-after consultant and speaker.
Known as “The Fixed Ops Accelerator”, Fenton brings his hands-on expertise to help automotive professionals maximize their dealership’s potential, not just their departments. He is known for his practical, results-driven approach, turning complex concepts into actionable strategies that yield measurable outcomes.
Fenton’s session will delve into maximizing profitability, optimizing shop capacity, and creating scalable pay plans. Attendees will leave equipped with the tools and insights needed to drive sustainable growth in their fixed operations.
Fenton Bolden
General Manager - Fixed Ops
Fixed Ops - "Your Future depends on it"
Olivia Stapleton
Automotive Marketing Specialist, Sales Enablement | Next Gear Automotive
A Deep dive into the next generation of customers
Welcome to the next generation of automotive, Olivia has a passion for sales enablement and community building. Coming from a family of automotive professionals, Olivia has a deep-rooted love for the industry. She is dedicated to empowering the next generation of industry leaders. As the founder of Next Gear Automotive, she has created a dynamic platform focused on authentic connections and exploring the future of automotive through a fresh, unfiltered lens. Olivia’s enthusiasm and commitment to her work make her a driving force in shaping the future of automotive marketing.
Nimalan Bala
Industry Manager, Pinterest
Social Media meets Search w/ Pinterest
Hailey Taskey
Senior Advisor, Partner at Lloyd Sadd
Cyber Security
Hailey is a seasoned insurance professional with nearly 20 years of experience specializing in tailored solutions for automotive, RV, heavy truck, and power sports dealerships. She’s known for her deep understanding of dealership operations and risk management, working with small and large clients to navigate insurance coverage, compliance, and claims management.
As Council Chair of the Pitcher & Doyle program, Hailey advocates for clients nationally, leading initiatives and collaborating with industry stakeholders to drive best practices. Committed to ongoing education, she empowers clients with knowledge to make informed decisions and is passionate about mentoring aspiring professionals.
Tim A. Reuss is an international director with extensive executive experience in sales, marketing and retail. Tim currently is the President & CEO of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association representing over 3200 franchised new car and truck dealers in Canada, acting as their voice and advocating for them on a national level with government, industry and the public.
Before joining CADA, Tim was the Managing Partner of TAR Consulting and a Senior Advisor
for McKinsey & Co., focusing on automotive trends (electrification, connected vehicles,
shared mobility, autonomous driving) and their impact on the industry. He also provides
strategic advice and operational support to automotive dealerships, including brand portfolio analysis, footprint optimization as well as generational transition guidance.
Tim A. Reuss
President & CEO of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association
Franchise Under Pressure
Andrea Backman
B.Comm, Accounting
OEM-Dealer Relations
Andrea Backman, B.Comm, Accounting, UBC 1996, is an automobile dealer, investor and entrepreneur based in Vancouver, British Columbia. She is currently involved, along with her business partners, in Kia and Ford dealerships throughout the Lower Mainland. Outside of the dealerships she is a Past Chairperson of the Ford Dealer Advertising Association of British Columbia. Previously she was a board member of the National Ford Dealers Advertising Association for Canada. Other engagements include consulting and advising businesses in related industries with an emphasis on future planning and financial organization.
Across industries and individual businesses Andrea focuses on a collaborative approach to building financially stable and sustainable growth paths. Her general professional philosophy is that the more voices that are heard, the more robust results are achieved.
Niel Hiscox is Co-Founder and CEO of Clarify Group Inc., an automotive market research and advisory firm headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Niel leads the overall direction for Clarify Group, and is spearheading the launch of Clarify Group America LLC to fully support the company’s growth into the United States.
Prior to the launch of Clarify, Niel launched and continues to lead Universus Media Group Inc., an automotive marketing communications firm serving leading OEMs, industry associations and automotive industry suppliers. Alongside its agency activities, Universus is the publisher of Canadian auto dealer magazine and Affaires automobiles magazine, Canada’s leading print and digital media channels for new car dealers.
Niel is a past and founding member of KPMG’s Digital Strategies practice, a research and consulting practice developing internet strategy and go-to-market tactics for a range of international businesses.
As a recognized expert in the changes facing the automotive industry, Niel is a frequent speaker at industry events, including Reuter’s Automotive USA in Detroit, Cliff Bank’s Autovate event in Arizona, CADA’s Annual Summit, as well as events put on by provincial dealer associations across the country.
Niel earned a DEC in Pure & Applied Science from John Abbott College, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University in Montreal, and an MBA from McGill University.
Niel Hiscox
Co-Founder and CEO of Clarify Group Inc.
Moderator: OEM-Dealer Relations
Harvey
Chief Alliances Officer at Keyloop
How software can help your dealership save money
Harvey is the Chief Alliances Officer at Keyloop and is responsible for the Partner, OEM, and Financier ecosystems as well as managing our Fleet management solutions. Her focus is to create true partnerships with OEMs and Financiers as they go through intense transformations, whilst continuing to elevate our brand and marketing presence globally.
In her previous role at Google, Harvey served as Vice President of Alliances in EMEA within GCP. She joined Google via the acquisition of Looker, a data analytics platform, where she lead the technology and consulting partner ecosystem, partnering closely with Google, and setting the company up well for the exit.
Before joining Looker, Harvey worked at Salesforce.com, building the ISV Partner Ecosystem across EMEA + APAC. She was part of the founding team to revolutionise and monetise the AppExchange and created partnerships with many companies built on the Force.com platform who have since had successful IPOs.
Jill was born and raised in Watrous, Saskatchewan. In 2009 she joined the Mainline team as the part-time receptionist while she finished high school. After graduation she became a full-time sales consultant. GM Canada has recognized Jill at the highest level in their Sales Marketing Guild, achieving Gold for the past 8 consecutive years. In July 2022 Jill was promoted into the General Manager position. She loves working alongside her father Gerald. Fun Fact: Jill has travelled to over 50 countries
Jillisa Merrifield
General Manager, Watrous Mainline Motor Products
OEM – Dealer Relations
Huw Williams
Government Affairs, Canadian Automotive Dealers Association (CADA)
Government Affairs Update
Huw Williams is the national voice of the Canadian Automobile Dealers in Ottawa and is the lead lobbyist on all federal automotive issues.
Huw has led multiple successful high-profile advocacy campaigns impacting dealers including legislation allowing dealerships to access federal covid wage relief programs, successfully fighting the 25% US Auto tariffs, securing federal vehicle recall protection, several Bank Act reviews, ground breaking stolen vehicle legislation, killing HST on finance income and legislating automotive tool tax deductibility. CADA’s advocacy work has twice been awarded the Canadian Society of Association Executives Association’s most outstanding advocacy award nationwide.
As the public face of the retail automobile dealers, Huw has appeared frequently on CBC, and CTV national news, as well as in feature commentaries on Power Play, Canada Am and W5. He has also appeared as a witness before numerous Parliamentary committees and served as a Board representative on the Canadian Automotive Partnership Council.
Charles Bernard is CADA’s Lead Economist and Policy Advisor in the Ottawa Office. Charles Bernard joined CADA with a strong background in economic policy which began when studying political science and economics in his home town at the University of Sherbrooke. A proud Quebecer, Charles completed a BA in Applied Policy Studies with a concentration in political economy followed by a Master’s degree in the same field. In his Master’s program Charles conducted research into the political dynamics of economic integration and the institutional influence of trade agreements on national policy making. In his SSHRC-funded MA dissertation, Charles examined how the CUSMA agreement impacted the economic interests of Canadian trade and digital economy. Charles has also published automotive economic research including “Make America Great Again: A New Auto Pact for the North American Car Industry.”
Charles Bernard
Lead economist at CADA
Canadian Dealer Landscape
Brian Sencich
Head of Automotive TikTok Canada
Future of Marketing
With 17 years in digital advertising and automotive, Brian Sencich is the Head of Industry, Automotive at TikTok, driving industry strategies and partnerships. Prior to TikTok, he was a Senior Account Executive at Amazon Ads and a Client Partner at Meta, contributing to significant growth across the automotive sector. Brian began his career at AutoTrader.ca and later led outside sales at Kijiji, excelling in digital media sales and team leadership. His deep expertise and passion for innovation make him a sought-after industry speaker.
Daniel Ross is a Senior Manager of Industry Insights & Residual Value Strategy at Canadian Black Book (CBB). He joined CBB in 2017 and has played a crucial role in analyzing automotive market trends and providing valuable insights into vehicle valuations and residual values. Daniel is a key figure in CBB’s annual Residual Value Awards, which recognize vehicles that are projected to retain the highest percentage of their original value over time. His expertise is frequently showcased in industry interviews and reports, where he discusses market trends and the importance of residual value in the automotive sector.
Daniel Ross
Canadian Black Book
Automotive Market Value Trends
Brian Kramer
EVP Cars Commerce | General Manager, Accu-Trade
EVP, Cars Commerce | General Manager of Accu-Trade. Prior experience as a multi-dealership General Manager specializing in digital transformation with 27 years of retail dealership experience.
Spent 19 years as a dealership General Manager for publicly traded, privately held, import, domestic and luxury car dealerships in Ohio and Florida.
- Former GM of Germain Toyota of Naples & Germain Lincoln of Naples, retailing 7,500+ vehicles annually.
- Recipient of the inaugural Automotive News “Top 40 under 40” award.
- Google Dealer Advisory Board Member
- Led initiative that resulted in the first 100% paperless transaction in 2020.
- Pioneered and delivered the first automotive transaction in the Metaverse.
- Featured in Automotive News, F&I Magazine, Digital Dealer Magazine, Jalopnik, The Wall Street Journal, and the PBS documentary “Viewpoint” with Dennis Quaid.