Tim Reuss has been named the new President & CEO of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) effective September 3, 2019, according to a communique issued by the organization.
Reuss is a former President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada, and has held many important roles in the auto industry. In an interview with Canadian auto dealer, Reuss said he looks forward to the new role at CADA, to working with the team, the CADA executive, leaders from the provincial associations, and with dealers across Canada.
“I feel very grateful for the opportunity to contribute during an interesting time in the auto industry,” said Reuss. “There are quite a few things happening now in the automotive industry.” He said many of these changes will impact dealer members.
“In a way, I feel like the future of automotive retail guidelines are currently being established, and will continue to be established for the next couple of years,” said Reuss. “It’s also a time of uncertainty, so I hope that I will be able to contribute a bit of knowledge to help navigate that future. I don’t think there are yet any clear answers to a lot of the individual pieces, but there is a semblance of where things are going.”
He said some of the changes will create new revenue streams in the industry. “It will be important to ensure and safeguard that the dealer body is included in those newly established revenues.”
Reuss’ recent appointment follows a three-month search undertaken by an executive search firm on behalf of CADA, who worked closely with the CADA Search Committee, Executive Committee, and with the association’s current President and CEO, John White.
“Tim Reuss is a true professional who possesses an abundance of international automotive experience. He is a visionary who had an excellent grasp of the challenges our industry is facing,” said White. “CADA’s Executive Committee has made an excellent choice in selecting Tim to lead the association into the future.”
According to a CADA Newsline article, Reuss has more than 32 years of international automotive experience, and is the managing partner of TAR Consulting and a senior advisor with McKinsey and Company. He worked at Mercedes-Benz for 28 years, holding various positions during his time with the company, and he was an instructor for the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC). Reuss was also the CEO of the Dilawri Group of Companies.
He holds a BA in Economics from Stanford University in California, and is a graduate of the Rotman School of Management, Directors Education Program in Toronto, Ont. He is also speaks five languages, including French, Italian and Spanish.
Reuss will take the helm at CADA this fall after White completes his three-year term, and after the two work together on a transition plan to ensure a smooth shift in leadership.
“It has been an honour and privilege for me to lead CADA over the past three-plus years,” said White. “The Canadian market is fortunate to be represented by such a great group of dealers. It has been truly enjoyable to work with them.”
White will relocate with his family back to Montreal, Que., but plans to remain involved in the auto business in some capacity once he settles back home. “As I look to the future, I believe that my experiences at CADA will enhance my ability to continue to make a positive contribution to our industry.”
