David Adams
After more than 20 years as President and CEO of Global Automakers of Canada, David Adams has decided to retire. Adams announced his decision on LinkedIn earlier this week.
He told Canadian auto dealer he had been thinking about it for some time and told his Board in October 2024 to give it some lead time. He is not exactly sure when the exact exit date will be, but it’s imminent. GAC has its annual general meeting for 2025 in March 2026. ODGERS will oversee the executive search.
“It seems appropriate to both pass the baton to new leadership and explore what the next chapter of my life will bring,” said Adams. “I will continue to lead the association with pride until my successor is chosen. It’s not like I’m necessarily riding off into the sunset with a set time. If they want me to stick around to mentor my successor, I will do that.
“I will be 64 in February and there’s length of life and there’s quality of life, and there’s a bunch of things I want to do while I still have quality of life. That’s sort of some of the thinking behind the decision. I’ve got a good team now. If you have a small staff you want to give people there some sort of an opportunity to move up. Maybe some of my staff will apply for the role as well.”
Adams joined GAC in April 2005 following almost 20 years as Vice President, Policy, of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association. During his GAC tenure, the association grew from 20 per cent of vehicle sales in the Canadian marketplace to more than 62 per cent, while manufacturing members Toyota and Honda grew from about 35 per cent of Canada’s light duty vehicle production to 75 per cent.
“It’s got very little to do with me and just kind of representing the members as best as I can,” said Adams. “All of my members’ sales have grown dramatically over the time I’ve been around. It’s been quite a change since I took the role in 2005.”
It has also been a time of turbulence. Since 2015, the industry has been beset by Canadian political decisions pertaining to electrification. There has also been the uncertainty of tariffs brought on by U.S. President Donald Trump, and more recently a decision by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to allow Chinese vehicles to be sold in Canada.
“In some ways I look at this and say, ‘this is chaos and I’m glad I’m leaving.’ This is the most disconcerting time I’ve ever experienced in the automotive industry,” said Adams. “On the other hand it’s also pretty interesting and in a way exciting to be at this point, with the automotive industry just changing as dramatically and as quickly as it is. At this point I will miss everything that is going on, for sure. You have to be comfortable with a lot of uncertainty.”
Adams has gone to Europe and other parts of the world to meet and dialogue with counterparts, which he has found rewarding.
He plans to continue to give back to charities because he said that’s a big part of who he is. An avid cyclist, Adams has regularly ridden in events to raise money for cancer research. He is also a mental illness advocate and put together a conference last year and shared his story of trauma growing up and later as an adult.
“For more than two decades, David Adams’ leadership strengthened Ontario’s auto sector by championing investment and competitiveness,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford. “He understood that our greatest asset is our world-class workers, and I was proud to work with him to protect one of Ontario’s critical industries as we continue to attract historic investments and secure good-paying jobs for generations to come.”
“Working with David over the years on many common topics has always been a pleasure,” said Tim Reuss, President of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association. “His pragmatism and level-headedness have been invaluable throughout numerous periods of turmoil in the industry, from COVID to tariffs.”
Brian Kingston, President and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, said, “Dave’s leadership and commitment to the auto industry has made a lasting contribution. It has been a pleasure collaborating with Dave during a particularly transformational time for the sector. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement.
Todd Phillips, Senior Editor of Canadian auto dealer, praised Adams for his industry work and a columnist to magazine. “For as long as I’ve been covering the automotive industry, David Adams has been a key figure,” said Phillips. “He’s always on top of the issues, accessible to the media and other stakeholders and maintains an even keel even during the most turbulent times.”
“He’s been a regular columnist for our magazine for almost a decade and always shares key insights and perspectives for our dealers as an informed insider who sits inside the room where a lot of key decisions are discussed. The industry will miss him, and I’ll miss him. He’s a true professional,” Phillips added.
Ian P. Sam Yue Chi, President and CEO of the Corporation des concessionaires Automobiles du Quebec, told Canadian auto dealer he enjoyed his experiences with Adams.
“I have greatly enjoyed working with David throughout the years,” said Sam Yue Chi. “Quebec is a unique market, culturally and regulatory-(wise), and David has always stood out as a thoughtful and adaptable partner who embraced these realities with genuine curiosity.”
Adams received praise on LinkedIn from numerous people in the automotive world and others with whom he has worked. He was described as a legend and an icon. He said he has been humbled and taken aback by the response.
“You never know how you are viewed until you announce something like this,” said Adams. “To be honest I’ve been a bit overwhelmed by all the comments. I didn’t really have any full appreciation that people viewed me in that light.”
“Dave, it won’t be the same without you,” said Flavio Volpe, President of APMA. “Thanks for your professional stewardship, candour, wit, dedication to Canadian auto and to our country. Really appreciate how selfless and dedicated you were. You deserve all the credit for making GAC what it is.”
Darren Slind, Co-Founder and President at Clarify Group Inc, said: “Bravo, David. Job well done. Thanks for everything you’ve done to promote our industry.”
Jason Campbell, General Manager of the Canadian International AutoShow, said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with you and your team. Congratulations on a tremendous job in advocating for our industry over the years.”
Charles Spivak, Manager, Government Compliance at Mazda Canada, said: “As I was coming in as a young, green GAC member, you were always gracious with your time to guide and teach. Your successor better have big feet.”
Alan Bird, Chairman & CEO of taq Automotive Intelligence and President & CEO of SCI LeaseCorp, said: “You are one of the true legends of our industry and have made a significant difference in all aspects. Thank you for everything you have accomplished. I know you are not finished yet but you have deserved everything this industry has given you.”
Farah Mohammed, Director of Partnerships and Media Relations at Beepzz and a seasoned stakeholder relations and government affairs expert, said: “Your leadership has helped shape the Canadian automotive landscape domestically and globally. “
Sandy Di Felice, international communications and public affairs executive and head of SDF Public Strategies, said: “Your leadership approach was always people-first, be it government folks and your team of Board members. It resulted in better overall industry outcomes. (I) enjoyed the many years of strategizing and lobbying.”
Matthew Fortier, Vice President of Policy and Research at the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management, said: “The auto sector is undergoing massive change, but is better positioned to handle that change because of your contributions. Congratulations on a very successful tenure.”
June Martin, Consultant, Career Advisor, and Corporate Trainer at Brock University, said: “Working with you has truly been a pleasure, and your dedication and leadership to the Automotive Business School of Canada has made a lasting difference.”
Jason Vanderhayden, Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Policy, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, said: “Congratulations on your leadership through many periods of change for the sector – you’ve certainly made it better.”
Fernando Garcia, Legal and Human Resources Executive, said: “Your shoes will be very difficult to fill. Throughout the years, you led the organization through challenging times and unique opportunities with vision and strength.”
We wish David all the best in this next chapter of his life.
