OK Tire adds two senior execs to support growth plans

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — OK Tire Stores Inc. has hired a pair of industry veterans, Dwayne Sawyer and Patrick O'Hara, to fill key management positions related to the franchisor's plans to expand and develop the business beyond its traditional retail strengths.

Mr. Sawyer, a 30-plus-year industry veteran, was hired to be OK Tire's director, commercial business group, tasked with helping develop commercial business opportunities for the Vancouver-based group and its franchisees.

"There is huge untapped opportunity for OK Tire as we focus more and more on all aspects of our commercial business," according to OK Tire President and CEO Jim Caldwell, who lauded Mr. Sawyer for his "positive and thoughtful leadership style" and considerable experience in the commercial and fleet business.

The companies Mr. Sawyer has worked for during his career include Kumho Tire Canada, Giti Tire, Continental Tire Canada, MTC Tire Group and Kal Tire.

As national director, merchandising, Mr. O'Hara will be responsible for the development and growth of OK Tire's e-commerce and other non-tire related products.

Mr. O'Hara comes to OK Tire from Thibert Group, where he held positions in sales and marketing in 11 years with the Quebec-based distributor of wheels, tools, trailers, automotive and recreational vehicle accessories.

"Patrick will lead the evolution of our non-tire product assortment for our dealers and brings to OK Tire an incredible background in the aftermarket accessories market," Chief Operating Officer Michael Rutherford said. "But, more importantly, he has an outstanding reputation within the industry for meeting the needs of his customers with urgency and genuine focus on win/win solutions. All of this combined with his approachable and sincere leadership style is why we are so excited to have Patrick join our incredible team of leaders".

These changes tie into the five-year strategic growth plan that OK Tire unveiled earlier this year, which includes $75 million in investments in expanding the group's distribution capabilities across Canada to support its drive to recruit new franchisees and grow market share.