Kathy Ward retires from Canadian Black Book after 36 years in the industry.

Kathy Ward, the face of the Canadian Black Book for over three decades is bidding farewell to the auto industry, Brad Rome, President of Canadian Black Book has announced.

Bill Ward, Kathy’s father, brought Black Book to Canada in 1961. “My father was a tremendous leader and such a positive influence on me and on my career,” Ward said. “I learned early, the best methods of sales and marketing suited to Canadian Black Book. I was so fortunate to experience that, but I had to be tough.”

Rome applauded Ward’s ability to build relationship. “Kathy has the ability to find common ground in an instant,” he said. “The relationships and leadership skills she brought to the table put this company in a position to continue to succeed.”     

In 2015, Ward negotiated the sale of Canadian Black Book to its new parent company out of the US – Hearst Business Media.  In anticipation of her retirement, she has spent months helping strengthen the team and accommodate the transition.

“As Kathy steps away from day-to-day operations, I know she is comforted by the fact that she is leaving Canadian Black Book in very capable hands with an energized management team and a thriving business that is well prepared for the future.  Our sincere thanks go out to Kathy for her many years of exceptional leadership and to the Ward family for a partnership that has spanned over 55 years”, said Tom Cross, Executive Vice President at Hearst Business Media.