CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Legendary Companies — parent of Coker Tire, Wheel Vintiques and other vintage tire and wheel companies — is conducting a search for a new CEO to replace Wade Kawasaki, CEO since 2018, who is planning step down from that role while continuing as an owner of the firm.
Legendary Companies has engaged Doug Evans, a former Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) chairman and 29-year auto aftermarket veteran, to be interim CEO while the firm searches for a new top executive.
Mr. Kawasaki joined Legendary Companies' predecessor company, Coker Group, in 2011 as executive vice president and was promoted to president and CEO in 2014.
In 2018, he led a team of Coker Group executives, with backing from Irving Place Capital (IPC), in an buy-out of the company, best known as a supplier of collector car and motorcycle tires and wheels.
In 2019, the company rebranded under the Legendary Companies name in a move meant to provide the Chattanooga-based group with greater opportunities for growth and diversification.
"After guiding Coker Tire through the acquisition process, I agreed to stay on as CEO for a three-year term to build the management team and add more companies to the portfolio," Mr. Kawasaki said.
"As that term draws to a close, I am excited to take some personal time and pursue new interests. It's been a tremendous honor serving as CEO and I know the company has a bright future."
Besides Coker Tire and Wheel Vintiques, Legendary Companies' holdings include Universal Vintage Tire, Phoenix Race Tires, Specialty Wheel, MOR, Vintage Wheel Works, PS Engineering, Roadster Wire Wheel and Paragon Corvette Reproductions.
Mr. Kawasaki will retain an ownership stake in the company and work closely with IPC to execute a transition plan, Legendary Companies said. The senior management team will continue to help guide the company along with IPC leadership and the new CEO.
Mr. Kawasaki has spent more than 40 years in the automotive aftermarket, 25 of which were spent in various leadership positions within SEMA. He was chair of the SEMA board for two separate terms, from 2009-2011 and again from 2015-2019.
