WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Brian Kaner, president and CEO, Pep Boys, Service since June 2019, has left the auto service retailer and been hired by Boyd Group Services Inc. as executive vice president and chief operating officer for Boyd Group's collision business.
Icahn Enterprises L.P., parent of Pep Boys, did not comment on Kaner's departure or its plans to fill the now-vacant position.
Boyd's collision business has over 800 points of sale in the U.S. and Canada under a handful of brand names.
"This change to our top-level structure is being made to add further strength to our executive team and to align our organization with the needs of the business, given our planned growth and the changes we have experienced over recent years," Boyd Group President and CEO Timothy O'Day said.
"Brian's experience with large organizations as an executive officer in both operational and financial roles will be an asset to our business, adding breadth and depth of experience and knowledge at the executive level."
O'Day said Boyd Group envisions doubling the size of its business by 2025 versus 2015.
"I am very excited to be taking on this new role," Kaner said. "The opportunity to learn and add value at a company with a long track record of consistent performance and growth is a tremendous one. I look forward to working with Tim and the rest of the executive team as we continue growing the business and creating value for our shareholders."
Kaner was hired by Icahn Enterprises in November 2017 as senior vice president – strategy, corporate development and real estate for the Icahn Automotive business, which includes Pep Boys. He was promoted to president and CEO, Pep Boys, Service in June 2019.
Prior to joining Icahn Enterprises, Kaner was president of Sears Auto Centers for 2 ½ years.
Boyd Group operates locations in Canada under the trade names Boyd Autobody & Glass and Assured Automotive as well as in the U.S. under the trade name Gerber Collision & Glass.
In addition, the company is a major retail auto glass operator in the U.S. with operations under the trade names Gerber Collision & Glass, Glass America, Auto Glass Service, Auto Glass Authority and Autoglassonly.com.
