Rob Cameron Takes The Helm

John Moller, Managing Director and CEO of GPC Asia Pacific, has elected to step down from his leadership position as of 1 January 2017.

Since taking the role in July 2007, Mr Moller has done an extraordinary job leading the company, implementing a range of organisational, operational and strategic initiatives to position the business for ongoing growth.

Importantly, Mr Moller is responsible for assembling a world-class leadership team which has enabled GPC Asia Pacific to continuously outperform the overall Australasian Automotive Aftermarket industry since its inception.

Having agreed to continue his involvement with the company on a part-time basis as the Non-Executive Chairman of GPC Asia Pacific, Mr Moller will provide invaluable advice relating to major acquisitions and strategic and key initiatives, including expanding GPC Asia Pacific further into Asia.

Mr Moller said he is excited for the future of the business and the new opportunities ahead. “As GPC continues its strong growth, the time is right for me to transition the business to a leadership team that will take the organisation to an even higher level in the years ahead,” he said.

The new leadership team will be led by Rob Cameron, the current Executive General Manager of Automotive Specialist Group (ASG) which includes leading brands Ashdown-Ingram, Motospecs, McLeods Accessories, RDA Brakes and AMX Superstores.

Mr Cameron has thrived in a 24 year career in the Automotive Aftermarket industry, joining GPC 13 years ago as the Commercial Manager for Ashdown-Ingram. It wasn’t long before Mr Cameron transitioned into the role of EGM for Ashdown-Ingram, a business which, under his direction, evolved into a market leader. Mr Cameron successfully managed Repco Australia in 2012 before rounding out his experience with the portfolio of high performing businesses in the Automotive Specialist Group. Mr Cameron is also a Director and National Council member of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), and has held these positions for the last four years.

“I’m genuinely humbled and excited to be given the opportunity to be GPC Asia Pacific’s next CEO. John Moller has done an outstanding job and we are delighted that he is continuing his involvement with our business as its Chairman. John has built a world-class leadership team of substantial capability and significant tenure in the automotive aftermarket industry and it’s a privilege to be able to lead them along with our 5,300 team members across Australia and New Zealand.”

Mr Cameron’s appointment has paved the way for Damion Newsome to join GPC Asia Pacific as the Executive General Manager of Ashdown-Ingram. Mr Newsome has had a 27 year career in the automotive industry, most recently as the Managing Director of Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Division across Australia and New Zealand. Prior to that Mr Newsome held senior management roles at Bosch UK, Tenneco and LuK Clutches.

When asked what attracted Mr Newsome to Ashdown-Ingram, the answer was clear; “I’ve always had an aspiration to work for market leading companies, so naturally GPC and Ashdown-Ingram have been in my sights for some time.

“The stature of Ashdown-Ingram in Australia and New Zealand is second to none and whilst we’ve come a long way from our humble beginnings, there are still many opportunities to provide an even greater experience for auto electrical and thermal specialists.”