The Global Automakers of Canada has appointed Lucas Malinowski as its new president and CEO, succeeding outgoing chief David Adams. The appointment is effective immediately.
"Canada's automotive industry is currently undergoing some of the most significant changes and facing some of the most unique challenges in its long and storied history," Malinowski wrote in a social media post announcing the appointment. "It's been a great privilege to advocate for a sector I've been passionate about since I was a child and I'm deeply grateful for the trust the association's members have placed in me for this new role."
Malinowski most recently served as the association’s vice-president and director of federal affairs. The GAC said he brings more than a decade of public affairs experience across a range of industries.
The association said Malinowski has spent the past three years developing his understanding of the Canadian automotive industry while supporting his advocacy work with all three levels of government.
“Lucas is currently the association’s vice-president and director of Federal Affairs and has done an excellent job in that role and I know the board joins me in expressing every confidence that Lucas will excel as the association’s new senior executive and continue to evolve the Global Automakers of Canada in a manner that benefits all members while growing the association’s influence in public policy making in Canada,” said Cyril Dimitris, president and CEO of Toyota Canada Inc. and GAC chair of the board.
According to a press release, the appointment followed an extensive search.
“Lucas’ appointment was not a forgone conclusion,” said Andrew Scott, president and CEO of BMW Canada Inc. and GAC vice-chair of the board. “We undertook an extensive search to ensure we had the best candidate identified to continue to move the association forward and we have found that in Lucas.”
The Global Automakers of Canada is a national trade association representing the Canadian interests of 15 automakers. Its members represent more than 25 brands in the Canadian market.
The association said its members are responsible for direct or indirect employment of more than 217,000 Canadians, contribute $25 billion to Canadian GDP and more than $10.5 billion annually in revenue for all levels of government. The GAC said its members account for 62% of light duty vehicle sales in Canada.
