Industry Advisory Council
Murray Howell – Chairman
Sherwin Williams Automotive Refinishes
Murray has a wealth of knowledge and experience at all levels of the automotive refinish industry. During his 40 years of experience he has held numerous roles ranging from Foreman Spray Painter to Global Business Development Manager. Murray is a continuous improvement expert who has implemented improvement programs in multiple production enviroments utilising lean six sigma technicques.
I have always been very passionate about the importance of education in the automotive repair industry and is extremely excited to be working with such an influential organisation in the automotive repair industry. I view I-CAR as a crucial player which is driving change through highlighting the importance of education and safer work practices.
Peter McMahon
Car Craft Group
Peter started in the industry at 18 years old at a Ford Dealer in Adelaide working in the parts department before moving into the Dealership’s body shop at 20 years old. From there I have had a passion for the collision repair industry ever since. After a brief period back in parts managing the dealer branch, I was offered a position in a body shop as the estimator/ manager before moving into the advocacy space for the industry with MTA and a stint as the chair of the Industry Code of Conduct.
I have been a long time supporter of training in the industry and during my time at the MTA increasing the numbers attending I-CAR training to record numbers in South Australia, before being offered the position at Car Craft’s Head Office in Perth where the training is a big focus for our body shops and their staff.
Darren Myers
Len Hollis Repair Facility
When starting my career, I begun as an apprentice in panel beating. Here, I built my skills up to be a tradesman then moving into a more management role of quoting, assessing and managing the workshop. I then realised I was running the business and could do this for myself. It was after this that I purchased my business located in Sydney Mortlake in 2007; from here I gave the business a complete make over. Len Hollis expanded which saw a purchase of a second factory allowing for major renovations, bringing the facility into the 21st century. My purpose was to make a point of difference within the industry. My point of difference being a focus on presentation, training and technology.
My values and beliefs aligned with I-CAR and I begun their training and education for my staff and myself in 2009 to ensure repairs were kept safe and procedures were heard to. In August 2014 Len Hollis became the first repair center in Sydney to become accredited to be an I-CAR Gold Class repair facility. It was then in 2015 I was elected to sit on the board of I-CAR. Being on the council has further allowed me to explore my passion for training and technology with the industry and see the progress of trained technicians unfold. In June 2019 I joined the Car Craft Group and in August 2020 I was proud to be appointed the chairman of the Car Craft Group for New South Wales.
Andrea McCarthy
McCarthy Panelworks
Andrea McCarthy is on a mission to change the public perception of the panel repair industry. With her 24 years of experience as owner and office manager of McCarthy Panel Works in Mackay, she knows that there is so much more to the profession than just removing dents and painting.
Throughout her career, Andrea has worked tirelessly to be a voice amongst organisations who can spark positive change. In 2014 she joined the committee of the National Auto Collision Alliance (NACA) a division of the MTAQ , elected into the secretary role. In June 2020, she was elected Chair of the Division. This position also brings with it the honour of being the first female to hold this Chair seat.
In 2017 Andrea joined the Industry Advisory Council of I-Car Australia. Andrea knows that her mission will benefit every Australian household. But she also knows that every revolution needs to start with education. So, by beginning with herself and her McCarthy Panel Works staff, including the administration team, who have undergone numerous
I-CAR Australia courses, Andrea is moving in the right direction. She will continue this pursuit, while also delivering integrity, insight and experience to her board and council roles.
David Wilkes
IAG
David has an extensive knowledge of the Smash Repair and Insurance Industry, spending over 30 years working in many different area’s in the motor repair industry and claims and assessing departments to a point where I am a subject matter expert in these areas.
I have extensive experience in people leadership and have championed and lead many change initiatives in difficult environments. My focus is to look for opportunities within a business, plan and enact change, where required, for the betterment of all parties concerned – People, Business Partners, political landscape and for the organisation.I have a track record of someone that builds strong relationships and delivers on tasks and promises to assist with the improvement and growth of the organisation.
Josh Reissman
Suncorp
I have worked within the Collision Repair and Insurance sector spanning over 25 years, spending much of this time undertaking roles within motor assessing, motor repair strategy and supply chain operations. I am currently responsible for all Suncorp Motor Assessing and Repair information and delivery of technical training. I also have responsibility for the management of the Thatcham Escribe business for Suncorp, which provides industry-wide access to repair methods throughout Australia and New Zealand. I’m excited to be a part of the I-CAR community and look forward to supporting the growth of our industry both now and into the future
Sally Jones
BASF
With over 20 years’ experience in chemistry, marketing and finance, Sally is excited to bring a fresh perspective to the collision repair industry. Having recently joined BASF Australia’s coatings division from BASF’s North American fuels and lubricants division, Sally brings with her a multitude of experience in implementing marketing strategies across the pharmaceutical and chemical industries to achieve significant growth in mature markets. Currently responsible for strategic marketing and account management for BASF’s range of automotive refinish paints in ANZ, Sally is a natural problem-solver who is passionate about working with others to find innovative solutions for industry challenges. Sally is excited to bring her diverse background to the collision repair industry.