Chris Wilesmith

Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director

Chris joined Bapcor in January 2026, bringing extensive automotive aftermarket and C-suite experience.

With deep experience across all aspects of trade, retail and supply chain operations in both Australia and New Zealand, Chris’ former executive roles include Group CEO & MD of Jaycar Electronics, CEO of Mitre 10 (New Zealand) and 13 years as part of the Super Retail Group Executive Leadership team, including over seven years as Managing Director of Supercheap Auto.

Chris is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has a Master of Business Administration from the University of New South Wales. He has held board roles with Carpet Court Australia, Australian Automotive Parts, Penrite Oil, Brandlines, Automotive Superstore and Jaycar.

Kim Kerr

Chief Financial Officer

Kim commenced as Bapcor’s Chief Financial Officer in May 2025. Most recently as CFO of Orica Ltd, Kim is an experienced CFO with more than 25 years in globally focussed ASX100 listed companies in the mining, manufacturing, chemicals and digital solutions sectors.

As a seasoned financial executive, Kim has deep experience in all aspects of finance, including leading business improvement, providing strategic guidance and empowering teams.

Kim is a Chartered Accountant and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

Rebekah Newman

Chief People & Culture Officer

Rebekah joined Bapcor in February 2026 as our Chief People & Culture Officer.

Rebekah has a strong record of enabling organisations to be fit for the future – helping building leadership capability, optimising technology in HR operations and creating cultures that drive performance.

Prior to joining Bapcor, Rebekah held executive Chief People Officer roles across Australia and New Zealand, at Jaycar, Best and Less and Mid North Coast Local Health District (NSW Health). She also led people and culture functions at the Woolworths Group for more than 15 years. 

George Sakoufakis

General Counsel and Company Secretary

George joined Bapcor in 2019 as General Counsel and was appointed as General Counsel and Company Secretary in 2021.

George is an Australian legal practitioner with over 20 years’ experience in senior in-house legal and governance roles across various jurisdictions.  Prior to joining Bapcor, George held various roles at the Foster’s Group including as Acting General Counsel for Carlton and United Breweries and Legal Director for the Asia Pacific South Zone at AB InBev.

Craig Magill

Executive General Manager - Networks and Trade

Craig joined Bapcor in 2012 and is responsible for all aspects of our Networks and Trade businesses.

Craig has an extensive career in the automotive aftermarket industry spanning more than 25 years. Starting as a management cadet and working through most of the key operational and sales positions in aftermarket parts distributors.

Before joining Bapcor, he was the General Manager of RAC’S (WA) automotive workshops, which was preceded by many years at Repco. He holds a Masters in Business from Melbourne University. 

Dean Austin

Executive General Manager - Retail

Dean joined Bapcor in 2025, bringing over 30 years of retail leadership experience including the role of CEO at salt&pepper and Group General Manager Merchandise at MYER. 

He has proven expertise across operations, category management, merchandising and private label, coupled with experience in leading large teams in both privately owned and ASX listed organisations, successful transformations and merger and acquisition activity.

Dean leads Bapcor’s Retail business in driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence across the network, ensuring a strong focus on customer experience and commercial performance.