The Automotive Aftermarket Repair Organization of Canada (AARO) is pleased to announce that Marc Brazeau will be joining the organization as President, bringing decades of association leadership experience and a deep connection to the Canadian automotive aftermarket.

Brazeau recently retired after nearly seven years as President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada (RAC), where he led the organization’s strategic priorities in government and public affairs, safety and training, and industry engagement and awareness — including representing RAC before Parliamentary and Senate committees on numerous occasions. He welcomes the opportunity to return to an industry that has played such an important part in his career.

Before moving into the railway sector, Brazeau spent many years with AIA Canada, where he worked alongside AARO Executive Director Patty Kettles for more than 20 years. During that time, the two developed a strong working relationship built on complementary strengths, a shared commitment to association leadership and a passion for supporting Canada’s automotive aftermarket. Brazeau positioned the association as a credible advocate for the Canadian automotive aftermarket and led the launch of the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer awareness program, the Right to Repair government and media relations campaign, and the Tool Tax Exemption Campaign, which secured tax deductions for automotive technicians still in place today. 

He also brings significant private sector leadership experience as the former Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Uni-Select Inc., where he built a new high-performing national sales structure and launched the “Bumper to Bumper” brand.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Marc to AARO,” said Kettles. “Marc and I worked together for more than two decades, and we have always complemented each other’s strengths. He is a strong leader, understands the automotive aftermarket and, most importantly, understands the value an association can bring to automotive service and repair shops across the country.”

Brazeau’s appointment comes at an important time for AARO as the organization continues its evolution from its Ontario roots into a truly national association representing and supporting independent automotive service and repair businesses across Canada.

“AARO has an exciting opportunity ahead of it,” said Brazeau. “The automotive aftermarket has always been an industry that I have loved, and I’m motivated and excited to have the opportunity to return. Independent repair businesses are facing tremendous change, and strong representation, relevant training, industry partnerships and a national voice have never been more important. I look forward to working with Patty, the AARO Board and the industry to build on the momentum that’s already underway.”

In his role as President, Brazeau will provide strategic leadership and serve as a public voice for AARO while working closely with Kettles, the Board of Directors, members and industry partners to advance the association’s priorities and expand its presence across Canada. He brings a practical and solution-oriented bilingual communication style and extensive board experience in the automotive sector— including past director and chair roles with the Canadian Automotive Repair Service Council, the Canada Safety Council, the Canadian Automotive Partnership Council, and the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium.

“Having Marc join our leadership team makes AARO stronger,” Kettles added. “We have ambitious plans for national growth, and Marc brings the experience, relationships and leadership skills that will help us move those plans forward. Together, I believe we have an exceptional opportunity to build an organization that independent repair shops from coast to coast will be proud to call their association.”

AARO Chair Steve Gushie said Brazeau’s appointment represents another important step in the association’s growth.

“Marc’s extensive association experience and knowledge of the automotive aftermarket make him an excellent addition to AARO,” said Gushie. “The Board is very pleased to welcome him and looks forward to working with Marc and Patty as we continue to strengthen AARO and expand our national presence.”

About AARO Canada

The Automotive Aftermarket Repair Organization of Canada (AARO) is an action-oriented, not-for-profit association dedicated to representing, supporting and strengthening Canada’s independent automotive service and repair industry. AARO provides its members with advocacy, education and training, industry information, business resources, networking opportunities and programs designed to help independent repair businesses succeed in a rapidly changing automotive industry.