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CARSTAR appoints new executives as part of business transition


January 21, 2013   by Canadian Underwriter


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Collision repair company CARSTAR Automotive Canada Inc. has appointed a new chief operating officer, as well as a new executive vice president and a new vice president of finance as part of a business transition plan in the works for three years. 

Deal

Michael Macaluso will work as the company’s COO, while Lisa Mercanti-Ladd has been appointed executive vice president. MJ Marshall will continue in the company as vice president of finance. 

Mercanti-Ladd and Marshall will report to Macaluso, who in his new COO role will report to Sam Mercanti, CARSTAR’s president, CEO and chairman of the board. 

“There comes a point in every successful company when the founders have to step aside and empower new leadership,” Mercanti commented in a statement.

Mercanti will remain as the Chairman of the Board while Larry Jefferies will assume the title of EVP, ex-officio and continue to support our business development activities. Vice President of Human Resources, Dennis Concordia, will continue in his current role and assume all activities related to organizational effectiveness.

“CARSTAR earned its reputation by focusing relentlessly on our customers and partners and on delivering unique solutions in the industry. We intend to build on this heritage to enhance CARSTAR’s leadership position,” Macaluso said in a press statement. “We are very excited about the company’s future.”

Macaluso joined CARSTAR in 2008 as manager of insurance relations and has since held the positions of director of quality systems and most recently AVP of operations. He is recognized throughout the industry for his demonstrated organizational and leadership skills and has played a pivotal role in insurance relationships and performance, the CQS Case Management System and the development of CARSTAR’s ‘Tiered’ levels of Operational Excellence. 

Macaluso studied business and economics at the University of Western Ontario and has a strong background in the hospitality industry at the executive level, CARSTAR noted. He is very active within his community as he sits on numerous boards and committees in the Hamilton, Ont. area including Festitalia, Charity of Hope Fundraising Committee and the Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneurs and Professionals. 

Lisa Mercanti-Ladd played a central role in launching CARSTAR in Canada and has been with the organization since its inception.  In her previous role as vice president of marketing and client services, she managed a team responsible for all areas of marketing, public relations, key account management and the CARSTAR Care Centre.

She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree, with continuous education in her field through York University and the Canadian Marketing Association.  In August 2012, Lisa was honoured with the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for her work supporting Cystic Fibrosis Canada.  She is also involved in the Charity of Hope and is a member of the CARSTAR Board of Directors. 

MJ Marshall joined CARSTAR in October 2005 as a controller, adding improved reporting, controls and depth to the finance department since joining the company, CARSTAR noted.  With her Certified General Accountant (CGA), Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designations, she continues to enhance her skills to benefit the organization. 

Marshall oversees all financial aspects of the company as well as risk, compliance and legal issues. Her background includes several years in Tier 1 Automotive as well as transportation industries.  Marshall lives in Port Dover, Ont. and has served on community boards as treasurer and chair. 

Founded in Hamilton, Ontario in 1995, CARSTAR Collision & Glass Centres has grown from eight to over 160 locations throughout 10 provinces. CARSTAR repairs approximately 100,000 vehicles per year within Canada.


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