It’s cold outside and snow is on the ground in many places which means A, the winter holidays are just around the corner and B, not long after them is the 2014 CADA Summit. As we edge ever closer to this highly anticipated industry event, Canadian auto dealer, takes a further look at what we can expect. This week it’s time for a guest speaker spotlight in this case, Glenn Mercer.
Mercer, who will talk about the dealership of the future and join the most recent CADA Laureates for a panel discussion on automotive retailing at the Summit, is perhaps best known among dealers in Canada as author and lead researcher on the joint NADA/CADA Facilities study.
However, in addition to that he’s also a highly respected independent consultant with extensive experience in the automotive realm. Prior to branching out on his own in 2006, Mercer served a 20-year stint at McKinsey & Company, considered by many as the world’s leading and most prestigious management consulting firm.
A graduate of Yale University and Dartmouth College, Mercer, who originally began his career working for the Central Intelligence Agency, has also served on the board of several automotive and truck suppliers, as well as an advisor to John Casesa of global financial services firm Guggenheim Partners (which manages over $190 billion in assets).
Although an American, Mercer has ties to Canada, not only at a professional level (he has consulted for Industry Canada) but also a family one as well, with roots in Newfoundland. “He’s an engaging speaker, with a particular sense of humour” says Patrice Maltais, CADA Industry Relations Officer and coordinator for the 2014 CADA Summit. “We’re looking forward to have Glenn in front of our dealers at the Summit because having such a sharp and inquisitive mind means he can really get to the core of any matter. And he’s funny!”
