Michael Macaluso to receive 2015 YES Young Leader of the Year Award

#aftermarket – The Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada’s Young Executive Society (YES) has announced that Michael Macaluso, president, CARSTAR Automotive Canada, is this year’s recipient of the Young Leader of the Year Award. The award is presented annually to recognize the outstanding leadership and dedication of a young employee in the automotive aftermarket industry.

Michael is a graduate from Western University in London, Ontario where he studied business and economics. A lifelong Hamiltonian, he became familiar with CARSTAR at a young age and has had a passion for the Hamilton-based business from day one.

In 2008, after several years in leadership roles in the event and hospitality industry, Michael was brought onto the team at CARSTAR and quickly made an impact as a strategic player in the collision industry. He started on the insurance relations team, where he was responsible for managing CARSTAR’s relationships with insurance partners, and quickly worked his way up to director of operations in 2010. In 2011, he joined the executive team at CARSTAR as assistant vice-president of Operations, at which point he took over leadership of the Vendor/Procurement team. From 2012 to 2013, he served as CARSTAR’s Chief Operating Officer.

Today, Michael is the president of CARSTAR. He is the leader of the executive management team and is directly responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the organization. Working with a world class executive and management team, the “humble, but hungry” CARSTAR network has grown to 225+ collision and glass centres in all ten Canadian provinces with 2,500 employees under Michael’s leadership and is well positioned for continued success.

“As one of the youngest leaders and executives in the Canadian collision sector, Michael has brought new innovation, new thinking, and a fresh approach to solving complex problems and opening new opportunities in the collision repair industry,” says Sam Mercanti, founder and CEO, CARSTAR Automotive Canada. “His pioneering efforts are an example to any young professional, and he exemplifies the fact that age is no barrier to extraordinary achievement.”

Michael is married to Daniela and has two sons, Matteo and Marcello. He speaks English, French and Italian. He is very active in the collision industry and participates in Canadian collision and aftermarket associations, including AIA Canada and its Collision Council. Michael is also very committed to the Hamilton community. He sits on the board of directors for the St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, Festitalia, and the Young Men’s Leader Impact Group; is a committee member of the Charity of Hope; is a member of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce; and participates on various fundraising committees.

Michael will be presented with his award during AIA’s 73rd annual general meeting and volunteer recognition luncheon being held on April 29, 2015 at the Hilton Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. AIA members are encouraged to attend and help honour Michael for his leadership within the industry.