Jerry Chenkin, President and CEO of Honda Canada to retire

Honda Canada appoints a new Canadian President ensuring continuity of local leadership

TORONTO, Feb 21, 2017 /CNW/ - After an impressive career at Honda spanning more than four decades, President and CEO of Honda Canada, Jerry Chenkin today announced his intent to retire. Chenkin will remain in his role until March 31, 2017 at which point, fellow Honda Canada veteran, Dave Gardner will assume responsibility for leading the company and its various divisions.    

Mr. Chenkin began his career in Honda's accounting department in 1975 after emigrating to Canada from London, England bringing with him a sharp business sense and a love for cars. At the time, Honda Canada operated as an importer of motorcycles and the first generation Civic. During those early days, Chenkin believed the company was on a path to success and since then, Honda Canada has evolved to become a key employer and Canadian market investor, sales leader, global manufacturing powerhouse and builder of the country's top-selling passenger vehicle, the Honda Civic, for 19 years running.

"I feel very fortunate to have spent my entire career at Honda and I will look back on my time as a rewarding experience filled with many memories and lasting relationships," said Chenkin. "I've had the distinct pleasure of working with and learning from many dedicated Associates and Dealers who have helped shape the person I am today. I'm proud of what we've all achieved together and I know the journey ahead will be just as exciting as the one we've travelled together."

Major milestones as first Canadian President and CEO

In 2013, Chenkin was named President and CEO of Honda; the first time in the company's history that a Canadian had been chosen to lead the company. During the past four years, Honda Canada has established record sales levels in its automobile and Power Equipment businesses. And with overall responsibilities for Honda's manufacturing operations in Canada, Chenkin oversaw manufacturing investments totaling more than $1.3 billion. These investments served to modernize production at Honda's Alliston, Ontario plants, protect thousands of high-quality jobs and secure Honda's position in an increasingly competitive, global business environment.

"Our achievements are the result of the hard work and dedication of the associates at Honda Canada, Honda of Canada Manufacturing and our Dealerships across the country," added Chenkin. "I provided direction and guidance and our people did the rest. I am so fortunate to have had this amazing life experience."

Honda to remain under Canadian leadership

Dave Gardner will succeed Mr. Chenkin as President and CEO of Honda Canada Inc. Gardner joined Honda in February 1989 and has held many roles within the company, including both Zone and National responsibilities. Dave is currently Senior Vice President, Operations and Risk Management Officer.

"I've had the honour of working with Jerry my entire Honda career and I know I speak for all of us here when I say thank you and good luck with the next chapter in your life," said Dave Gardner. "Jerry has expertly led this company and I look forward to continuing with the work he started. We have always held true to our core philosophy – to be a company that Canadians want to exist -- and my goal is to ensure we remain on that path."

Other changes within Honda Canada's executive team also effective April 1, include:

• Barry Holt, EVP & Chief Operating Officer
• Jean-Marc Leclerc, Sr. VP of Sales & Marketing
• Sogo Nakata, Sr. Vice President
• Tony Facciolo, VP Parts & Service
• Orlando Amiccuci, VP Shared Services & Chief Financial Officer

# # #

About Honda
Honda Canada Inc. (HCI) was founded in 1969 and is the parent company for both Honda and Acura vehicle brands in Canada.  The company has produced more than 7.7 million cars and light trucks since 1986 at its two manufacturing facilities and builds engines at a third manufacturing plant in Alliston, Ontario.  Both manufacturing facilities are extremely flexible and currently build Honda Civic and CR-V models.  Honda Canada has invested more than $4.7 billion in Canada and each year it sources nearly $2.1 billion in goods and services from Canadian suppliers. Honda Canada has sold more than four million Honda and Acura passenger cars and light trucks in Canada.

SOURCE Honda Canada Inc.

For further information: John Thibodeau - 416-358-2181, [e-mail]