Boyd Group Services Inc. has announced a leadership transition, with Timothy O’Day set to step down as chief executive officer effective May 14, 2025. Brian Kaner, currently the company’s president and chief operating officer, will assume the role following the company’s Annual General Meeting on the same date.
A news release highlighted that O’Day has been integral in Boyd Group’s growth since joining Gerber Collision & Glass in 1998. Following Boyd’s acquisition of Gerber in 2004, O’Day held key leadership roles, including COO of US operations and president and COO for North American operations, before becoming Boyd Group’s CEO in 2020.
Boyd Group Services Inc., based in Winnipeg, operates collision repair centers across North America, with trade names such as Boyd Autobody & Glass in Canada and Gerber Collision & Glass in the United States. The company also provides auto glass services and operates third-party claims and roadside assistance services.
Kaner brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as CEO and president of Pep Boys & Icahn Automotive Services and as president of Sears Auto Centers. Kaner holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Illinois State University.
Reflecting on the transition, O’Day expressed confidence in his successor. “Since joining Boyd as executive vice president and chief operating officer for the collision business in October 2022, Brian has enabled our team to navigate dynamic economic and industry conditions with resilience and adaptability, along with a consistent focus on increasing value to our customers and shareholders,” said O’Day. “As a result, our business has consistently performed above industry.”
O’Day will continue to support the transition in an advisory role through the end of 2025.
The Boyd Board of Directors conducted a formal CEO succession process and unanimously endorsed Kaner as the next CEO. Dave Brown, independent chair of the Board, praised O’Day’s leadership and expressed enthusiasm for Kaner’s appointment.
“The Board and I believe that Brian is well positioned to lead our company through its next phase,” added Dave Brown, independent chair of the Board of Directors of Boyd.
“It was clear that Brian was the best candidate for the role. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Tim for his excellent and unwavering leadership of Boyd over the last many years. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Tim.”
“I am honoured that the Board has selected me as Boyd’s next CEO and I am extremely excited for our future,” said Kaner. “We continue to execute against a solid business strategy supported by a strong leadership team. Tim’s continued support, along with the support of the Board and the Boyd leadership team will provide for a smooth transition and will continue to position Boyd well for the future.”
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