The collision repair industry lost a visionary with the passing of Finis Lavell Chisum, 98, of McAlester, Okla. who died peacefully on May 7. Known affectionately as Lavell to friends and family, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy of innovation, entrepreneurship, and service. Chisum is best known as the inventor of the EZ Liner frame […]
Wesco Group’s Josh Cox Joins Collision Repair Education Foundation Board of Trustees
The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) welcomed Josh Cox, National Vice President of Sales for WESCO Group, to its Board of Trustees. “We are honored to welcome Josh Cox to our Board,” shares Brenda Hogen, Chair of CREF’s Board of Trustees. “His extensive experience and dedication to the collision industry will be invaluable as we […]
Collision Vision Expands with New Investment, Names Erica Schaefer Director of Sales and Marketing
Rebecca Dean appointed Partner Account Executive. Collision Vision has announced several key developments including additional investment from founding partners, strategic leadership hires, and the expansion of an internal software development team. The Billings, Montana-based technology company announced these changes on April 28, 2025, as part of their growth strategy in the collision repair industry. The […]
Srisu Subrahmanyam Named CEO at Repairify
Keith Crerar named chief transformation officer. Repairify, Inc. announced the appointment of Srisu Subrahmanyam as Chief Executive Officer and Keith Crerar as Chief Transformation Officer. “Srisu and Keith both have notable track records growing companies in the automotive industry,” said John Lindle, Repairify’s Executive Chairman. “Their experience in digital transformation and ability to increase market […]
Plasnomic Establishes Plastic Repair Alliance Council
A new Plastic Repair Alliance Council has been formed by Plasnomic, bringing together executives and technical specialists from major collision repair companies. The council includes representatives from 3M, ARA, AkzoNobel, Boyd Group, Caliber Collision, Mirka, PPG, Polyvance, SEM, and other organizations. “This marks a significant milestone for the global collision repair industry and a proud […]
CIECA Adds Five New Members to Expanded Board of Trustees
The Collision Industry Electronic Commerce (CIECA) announced April 28 that the Board of Trustees has expanded the number of board seats due to the continued growth in the organization’s membership. Representatives from the following five companies will join the board, effective immediately. Boyd Group: Creighton Warren, Chief Information Officer (CIO) Claim Leader LLC: Andre Shervanian, […]
Emily Yancey Nominated for Automotive Recyclers Association Executive Committee Position
The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) has nominated Emily Yancey of Yancey Auto Parts in Perry, Mo., to serve as secretary for the association’s Executive Committee for 2025-2026. Yancey, who works in sales and buying at her family’s business, will be formally confirmed during ARA’s 82nd Annual Convention and Exposition October 15-18 in Birmingham, Ala. “Emily’s […]
Timothy Morgan to Lead North American Operations at Telwin SpA
Telwin SpA announced the appointment of Timothy Morgan to a key leadership role in our North American operations. With over 40 years of experience in the body shop sector and a history of leadership positions across the industry, Tim’s deep market knowledge and hands-on approach will be instrumental in strengthening our presence in the U.S. […]
LKQ Europe Appoints Sebastien Vanderperre CEO for Benelux-France Region
LKQ Europe has appointed Sebastien Vanderperre as the new CEO of its Benelux-France Region, effective May 1. Vanderperre brings over 20 years of senior leadership experience in the automotive aftermarket. He previously served as Director of the Consumer Tires EMEIA division for France and Benelux at Bridgestone. His career also includes various international leadership roles […]
Industry Mourns Passing of Collision Repair Education Pioneer Marcus Essig
The collision repair industry has lost a dedicated educator, volunteer and advocate with the passing of Marcus “Marc” Essig on March 30 at the age of 82. Essig, who was surrounded by his wife Nancy of 53 years, daughter Lisa, son Marc Jr., and four grandchildren at the time of his passing, had been diagnosed […]