Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo 2026 Exhibitor List

Chris joined Bapcor in January 2026, bringing extensive automotive aftermarket and C-suite experience. With deep experience across all aspects of trade, retail and supply chain operations in both Australia and New Zealand, Chris’ former executive roles include Group CEO & MD of Jaycar Electronics, CEO of Mitre 10 (New Zealand) and 13 years as part of the Super Retail Group Executive Leadership team, including over seven years as Managing Director of Supercheap Auto. Chris has held board roles with Carpet Court Australia, Australian Automotive Parts, Penrite Oil, Brandlines, Automotive Superstore and Jaycar.

Since 2003, Siti has held various roles across the automotive industry, gaining hands-on experience and technical expertise in workshop operations, parts sales, and technical support, particularly in clutch and brake systems. She currently creates and delivers training for Brembo’s Aftermarket Global Business Unit, where she is passionate about sharing Brembo solutions with professionals around the world. Siti is a dedicated advocate for technical excellence and diversity in the industry. Focused on empowering others through training and education, Siti works to ensure individuals and businesses stay up to date with the latest advancements in automotive technology, particularly in the fast-evolving aftermarket sector. A strong supporter of diversity and inclusion, Siti actively promotes greater representation within automotive, encouraging others—especially women—to pursue careers in the field. Through her work at Brembo, she continues to make a meaningful impact by combining technical expertise with a commitment to a more inclusive and dynamic industry.

Brad is the Group CEO of Capricorn Society Ltd, Australasia’s largest automotive parts buying cooperative, serving more than 32,000 Members with annual purchases exceeding $4 billion. Appointed Group CEO in January 2025, Brad has been with Capricorn for over 17 years. He previously led Capricorn’s Automotive business as CEO and, earlier, served as Company Secretary and General Counsel. A lawyer by profession, he began his career with Solomon Brothers, progressing from article clerk to Partner before moving into corporate leadership. Known for driving innovation and transformation, Brad has consistently delivered strategies that enhance Member value and strengthen Capricorn’s growth. As a leader, he is recognised for inspiring people and empowering teams to perform at their best. Brad is also an experienced director and governance professional. He serves as a Director of several Capricorn subsidiaries, is a NED with the Business Council of Cooperatives and Mutuals and Western Rock Lobster, and was a Councillor on the WA State Council of the Governance Institute of Australia for more than seven years. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws from UWA, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.

Liz has spent over six years immersed in the automotive industry, working across multiple advanced roles including mobile module programming, ADAS calibration, key systems, and technical instruction. Her hands-on experience and teaching ability make her a respected expert in both service execution and technician development.

Scott Hicks is a combat veteran who served 10 years in the US Army and has spent 17 years in the automotive industry. He holds ASE Master Technician, MACS and OE certifications, with a career largely focused on European vehicles and factory training from BMW and Honda. Scott has worked across both dealership and independent environments, holding roles including Shop Foreman, Team Leader, Trainer, Service Advisor and Service Manager. Over the past decade, he has specialised in electrical and drivability diagnostics, bringing a structured, practical approach to complex fault-finding. Teaching and mentoring have been a constant throughout his career. Scott is a trainer with CTI and WTI and has presented at leading industry events including STX, VISION and ASTA.

Ross Walker. Ross has worked in lubricants for 30 years and is a member of the Australian Lubricants Association Technical Committee as well as a certified Lubrication Specialist with the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers.

Thomas Hatch is the Head of Technical Transformation at mycar Tyre & Auto, bringing a hands-on, solutions-driven mindset shaped by his upbringing on a remote family farm. From fixing machinery to building systems and leading teams, Tom applies practical skills with strategic insight to drive business-wide transformation. Technically minded and deeply analytical, Tom is known for his precision, creative problem-solving and commitment to continuous improvement. He combines a strong technical foundation with a passion for developing new ideas, systems and technologies. His leadership is defined by high personal standards, attention to detail, and a focus on getting things done—accurately and efficiently.

Rob Mildenhall is a senior automotive industry leader with more than two decades of experience directing sales teams and delivering strong results across the supply chain. His leadership strengths—strategy, communication and empowerment—are underpinned by his passion, determination and confidence. Rob’s career includes senior roles such as General Manager of Gearmax (formerly Borg Warner), Business Development Manager for Capricorn in South Africa, and National Panel Manager for Capricorn’s collision sector in Australia. He has spent 21 years specialising in OEM and collision repair, and served as Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association, the Business Chamber, and on the RMI Board and Executive Committee in South Africa. Since 2018, Rob has focused on the growing ADAS sector, working with leading suppliers and advocating for access to OEM repair methods for the independent repair market.

Merryl joined Bapcor in October 2022 as Chief People and Culture Officer. Merryl is an experienced strategic executive who has held Chief People Officer (CPO) roles for over 10 years across entertainment, retail and fashion. Merryl is a commercial and empowering leader with a global mindset and proven experience in facilitating cultural and transformational change, with a passion for building values-led, inclusive organisations. She was Chief People and Sustainability Officer at Decjuba and prior to that was the CPO at Tabcorp Holdings Limited for over 10 years where she had accountability for People, Culture, Safety and Communications. Merryl holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of NSW, and a Bachelor of Arts (Education) from Melbourne University. She is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and President of the Williamstown Football Club and a member of the Hawthorn Football Club nominations committee.

Lesley Yates is Director of Government Relations and Advocacy for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association. Lesley manages AAAA advocacy campaigns, designing creative and innovative solutions to address the greatest challenges facing our industry and then lobbying and encouraging government to make the right decisions to support our industry. In 2021, after a decade of AAAA campaigning for fair and open competition, the new motor vehicle repair law was passed in Australian Parliament. This legislation is the result of a tireless and persistent grassroots campaign by the AAAA. Lesley is now tackling our ongoing substantial industry challenges, including the workforce shortage crisis and government vehicle modification regulations.

Dr. Murphy studied Medicine at University College Cork Ireland graduating in 2019. She completed a post graduate Master’s in Clinical Research. She is completing her residency training in the Mayo Clinic Rochester Minnesota in the United States. She is returning to Ireland in 2024 to commence Infectious Diseases specialty training. Her interests include bone and joint infections and opportunistic pathogens.

Emma is the Principal Lawyer and Director of Industry Legal Group Pty Ltd (ILG) which delivers the AAAA Employer Assist member service in partnership with the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association. Emma is admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Queensland and has a dual degree in Business Management and Law. Emma is an experienced employment lawyer with a special knowledge and understanding of the industry having provided workplace relations advice and support to the Automotive Aftermarket industry for more than 8 years.