After almost two decades at Australia’s leading automotive cooperative, outgoing CEO David Fraser is making his final farewells.
At the end of November, Capricorn held its final Gala dinner for members in Auckland and Adelaide, part of a series to celebrate the fifty years of the cooperative’s strength and with it, David Fraser took another bow as he prepares to pass on the baton.
Fraser will retire at the end of the year and Brad Gannon, Capricorn Chief Executive Officer Automotive will officially start in the Group CEO role on 1 January 2025.
But David Fraser’s connection to the industry goes back even further reaching almost four decades where he has stewarded two of the aftermarket’s biggest WA-born brands – Coventry Group and Capricorn.
Long history of contributions
Fraser joined Capricorn in 2006 as General Manager of Automotive and Capricorn then had about 150 employees and 9,000 Members.
In 2019, he was made Group CEO, taking Capricorn to the next level.
After five and a half years leading Capricorn, the cooperative now has over 30,000 Members and in 2024 reported a $3.7 billion spend in members Trade Accounts for the financial year, almost double 2019 levels, along with record returns to members.
His legacy will extend beyond Capricorn, as he has played an active role in the development of both the automotive industry and the cooperative movement.
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Spirit that guides
Fraser has repeatedly emphasised the principle that Capricorn remains committed to the cooperative principles and this has been critical to its success.
“It’s the glue that holds us together,” he says. “That Capricorn continues to invest in working with other cooperatives and building out those relationships is to our benefit, because it means that we can continue to learn from others.”
In 2022 David was inducted into the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association’s Hall of Fame, and more recently has been inducted into the Business Council for Cooperatives and Mutuals (BCCM) Honour Roll, recognising his contribution to the industry and cooperatives.
“I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to meet a lot of our Members and Preferred Suppliers over the years,” Fraser says.
“We’re in our 50th year and my role has always been about making sure that we’re here for the next 50 years. I know with confidence that Brad will carry Capricorn into the future with vision and enthusiasm.”
New leadership
Brad Gannon is looking to taking over the helm in the new year.
“I am absolutely thrilled to take on the role of Group CEO following David’s retirement,” Gannon says. “It is a great honour, and I look forward to continuing to deliver an amazing experience for our Capricorn community.”
“A huge thank you to David Fraser for his almost two decades at Capricorn, and 39 years in the automotive aftermarket. David has been an inspirational and innovative leader, leading Capricorn, cooperatives and the industry towards success.”