When we first interviewed John White about his new role as President and CEO of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA), he had only been on the job for a few days.
Now, a few months later, after having criss-crossed the country attending dealer events and taking part in board meetings, White has a clearer sense of the breadth of his job and the role the association plays to support its dealer members.
“When I came in, I had a sense that this was a well-run organization,” said White, in an interview with Canadian auto dealer. “Now that I’ve been in the chair for 100 days, I can confirm that. Everyone is clear on knowing their role, their tasks and responsibilities. It’s a really knowledgeable team,” said White.
White had nothing but praise for the professionalism and calibre of his team at CADA, but he was also impressed with how engaged and dedicated the dealers are who work on the association’s various committees.
“Their level of engagement and the amount of homework they do reflects how seriously they take their responsibilities,” said White. “They’re prepared and they ask good questions. They are really looking at the big picture. The level of enthusiasm is great to see.”
White has also had the opportunity to meet with several heads of the provincial dealer associations, with whom he will be working closely with as the associations collectively look after the interests of dealers.
“They do a good job running their own provinces,” he said, adding he hopes to attend more of their events, including doing a swing through Eastern Canada and attending the Western Canadian Dealer Summit taking place in Las Vegas later this year. “There’s a certain amount of ‘gelling’ going on with how the provinces work together with CADA.”
He said evidence of that collaboration was on display when the provincial dealer associations met to celebrate the opening of Federation Hall, a CADA and dealer association funded lobby for students at the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC). “It was really great,” said White.
There’s certainly a lot on the go, said White, and the association is preparing to recognize and celebrate its 75th year of operation in 2017. “It’s a big milestone for us,” said White. “It’s a pretty exciting time to be at CADA.”
White said it was helpful to have had someone like Rick Gauthier to help him during the transition.
“A big thank you to Rick Gauthier for all his contributions over the years. The association would not be where it is without him. And a big thank you to him for the professional manner in which he spearheaded a very effective transition,” said White.
“Rick was very available, gracious and helpful without being overbearing. It’s obvious to me there’s respect for him in the industry and recognition of his knowledge.”
In terms of the road ahead for dealers, White said the CADA Summit team is well into planning next year’s event, and that it provides key learnings for dealers.
“Things are moving so quickly, whether in the legislative front or how business is being conducted. One of the roles the CADA can play is to arm dealers with all the information we can and bring issues to the forefront,” said White. “The whole concept for this Summit is needed and will continue into the future. I believe it drives value,” said White.
White said his time on the OEM side of the table has given him visibility into their plans. “I believe sitting on that side of the fence helps me bring a balanced look to projects and enables me, when we talk to manufacturers, to understand where they’re coming from,” said White.
He remains convinced that dealers will continue to play a key role in the industry. “The fact that manufacturers continue to require their dealers to invest millions of dollars into bricks and mortar and consumer satisfaction content, just reinforces that for the manufacturer there’s the need for a dealer network,” said White.
Car sharing, ride sharing and autonomous driving will bring about changes, but White said dealers will be equipped to adapt. “Those vehicles will have to be bought somewhere, and serviced somewhere.”
Another key for White is to further strengthen the ties between the association and the ABSC.
“We want to make sure the CADA has an expansive role with them,” said White, and added that he would like to see more dealers and OEMs know more about the ABSC new dealer management program. “We want to make sure all the manufacturers know it and embrace it. I think that’s a top priority.”
Other key issues the association is tackling includes the vehicle recall legislation being driven by the Senate, maintaining the association’s position not to change the Bank Act to allow the banks into automotive leasing, and ensuring the association’s legal action defence fund remains strong and well funded.
White served as President & CEO of Volkswagen Group of Canada from 2008-2013 and in other positions with Volkswagen Credit Canada.
White was President & Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Australia from 2013-2015. He’s also held multiple positions with General Motors of Canada.
White has held numerous board positions with automotive-related organizations and volunteers with Muscular Dystrophy Canada. He has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree Major in Administrative Management, from Concordia University.
