New faces in different places on our team
In September 2004, in a hotel room outside Detroit, Mich., Canadian auto dealer magazine was born. In that room, CADA’s President & CEO Rick Gauthier and I presented the concept for the magazine to then-CADA Chairman Tom Harris. It was a perfect early fall day. The sun was shining but there was a hint of coolness to the air. I walked into the hotel lobby feeling like something special was about to happen.
I remember the details of that day like it was only weeks ago, but in fact we’ve been publishing Canadian auto dealer since 2005, and publishing Affaires Automobiles magazine almost that long. In all that time, Gerry Malloy has been the editorial leader of the magazine, and Tony Chisholm has been our primary sales representative. Both Gerry and Tony are seasoned and skilled professionals, with long resumes in publishing that reflect their varied and successful careers. We’ve been lucky to have them.
There comes a time for change, however, as lives and careers enter new stages. This spring the retail automotive industry is seeing some very familiar faces undertake that kind of life change. As I’m sure most of you are aware by now, Shirley Canty is retiring as the leader of the Manitoba Motor Dealers Association. Al MacPhee, one of Canada’s best known automotive retailers, sold his dealership to the Steele Auto Group in the Maritimes. Those are just a few examples. Our team is changing too.
Tony Chisholm is retiring from his role of account manager, and handing the advertising sales responsibilities to Kristina Silva. This issue marks the first one in which Tony did not work with his clients to help make Canadian auto dealer a key part of their communications to Canada’s dealers.
Kristina is a tremendous young talent, and will serve her clients well in the coming years. Her combination of energy, passion for digital media, and commitment to getting her clients results is fantastic. Kristina has been with Canadian auto dealer for almost a year now, giving her the benefit of many hours with Tony, sharing his experience and insights. Tony led that transition like the pro he is, ensuring that both the magazine and his former clients are in good hands.
Change is coming to the editor’s chair, as well, as Todd Phillips is now our editor, replacing Gerry Malloy.
Unlike Kristina, who is in the earliest stage of her career, Todd has already built a track record in editorial leadership and writing excellence that few match over their entire careers. Todd has done everything from front-line newspaper and television journalism, to conceiving and launching a magazine from a blank sheet of paper. His experience spans a variety of industries and subjects, including the automotive industry.
As Todd puts his mark on the pages of Canadian auto dealer and our associated digital products, you will see a commitment to first-hand journalism and content excellence that reflect his award-winning pedigree, having won more than a dozen editorial awards over his career. In fact, Todd is one of only two people I know of that have won both Kenneth
R. Wilson awards in Canada and a Jesse H. Neal award in the United States — each country’s highest recognition for editorial excellence in the business press.
I would like to formally thank both Tony and Gerry for all they have done to make Canadian auto dealer the leading magazine in this market. They were both instrumental in taking our original ideas for the magazine and turning them into a resource on Canada’s auto- motive dealers have come to depend on. And working with both gentlemen has been a pleasure.
I can’t wait to see what the next chapter of Canadian auto dealer holds
