New CEO coming to Honda Canada
After more than four decades with Honda, current president and CEO Jerry Chenkin has announced his intent to retire.
Chenkin will remain in his role until March 31, at which point fellow Honda Canada veteran, Dave Gardner will assume responsibility for leading the company and its various divisions.
Chenkin began his career in Honda’s accounting department in 1975 after emigrating to Canada from London, England. At the time, Honda Canada operated as an importer of motorcycles and the first-generation Civic.
“I feel very fortunate to have spent my entire career at Honda and I will look back on my time as a rewarding experience filled with many memories and lasting relationships,” Chenkin said in a release on Monday.
Chenkin was named Honda Canada chief in 2013 and enjoyed some major milestones during his tenure. In addition to growth in sales volume and the dealer network, Chenkin has overseen manufacturing investments totaling more than $1.3 billion.
Dave Gardner, who will assume the mantle in less than two months, joined Honda in February 1989 and has held many roles within the company, including both zone and national responsibilities.
Gardner is currently senior vice-president of operations and risk management officer.
“I’ve had the honour of working with Jerry my entire Honda career and I know I speak for all of us here when I say thank you and good luck with the next chapter in your life,” Gardner said.
“Jerry has expertly led this company and I look forward to continuing with the work he started. We have always held true to our core philosophy – to be a company that Canadians want to exist – and my goal is to ensure we remain on that path.”
The move is part of a larger executive shuffle that will become effective April 1. It includes Barry Holt taking over as executive vice-president and COO; Jean-Marc Leclerc moving to senior vice-president of sales and marketing; Sogo Nakata has been named senior vice-president; Tony Facciolo will be the new vice-president of parts and service; while Orlando Amiccuci will become vice-president of shared services and CFO.
