Driven Brands has announced that Rick Yates has been appointed to the newly created position of Vice President, Insurance Relations at Driven Brands Canada.

Yates brings with him a varied amount of leadership experience to his new role. He has worked in the glass industry, served in important roles in the insurance segment and has also been a franchise partner and corporate employee at CARSTAR until recently.

Driven Brands states in a release that Yates’ experience in the collision and glass industries will be valuable for the network’s franchise and insurance partners.

The development, strategic engagement and growth of the insurance relationships and partnerships throughout Canada will be overseen by Yates in his new capacity. He will also be in charge of leading the CARSTAR Canada’s and Uniban Canada’s insurance relations teams. This is to enhance the insurance service offerings currently provided to the insurance and franchise partners of Driven Brands. Additionally, it will aid in ensuring quality performance, strengthening partnerships and driving growth.

“We are honoured to have someone of Rick Yates’ calibre join our corporate team,” said Michael Macaluso, President, Driven Brands Collision and Glass Division. “His decades of insight from the glass industry and in-depth understanding as a successful CARSTAR store owner will make him a vital member of our team and a fantastic resource for our franchise partners.”

Yates has more than 25 years of experience in the automotive and insurance industries. He has been the Vendor Manager at TD Insurance, responsible for the Automotive Supply chain. He has also held the position of Vice President of Claims – Western Canada. Yates served as the Director of Franchise Development for CARSTAR and before he went on to open three CARSTAR facilities with his wife, in Hamilton, Ontario.