Cifelli takes over as head of Groupe Del Vasto

Mauro Cifelli

John Del Vasto has announced he is stepping down as president Groupe Del Vasto and Mauro Cifelli will take over the role, as well as being the chief executive officer.

“My priority over the years has been to assemble a strong leadership team to drive growth and ensure continuity,” said Del Vasto, who founded automotive parts distributor and franchisor in 1986. “The nomination of Mauro to the position of president and CEO is the result of a planned and deliberate transition involving the board of directors and our HR committee.”

Cifelli joined the Montreal-based organization – which has seven distribution centres in Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as Vast-Auto Distribution – in 1994 and was most recently the company’s vice president of sales and marketing. He has also served as chairman of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada and is also the chairman of the governing council of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association, which represents the interests of warehouse distributors across North America.

“Over the past 24 years, he has played a pivotal role within the organization,” Del Vasto said in a statement. “His inspiring leadership, recognized management skills and in-depth knowledge of our industry will serve him well in this position.”

John Del Vasto speaks at Vast-Auto’s recent convention

As president and CEO, Cifelli will be work with the company’s board of directors and senior management team, responsible for creating, communicating and implementing the organization’s strategic plan to guide business direction.

“John’s vision and leadership have built Groupe Del Vasto into one of Canada’s leading automotive aftermarket companies that is committed to its employees, customers, and channel partners. The future that lies ahead for Groupe Del Vasto is promising, and the opportunity to lead this next chapter of the organization is deeply humbling,” said Mauro Cifelli.

Del Vasto will transition to board chairman for Groupe Del Vasto and will continue to provide guidance and support to the president and the senior management team.

Groupe Del Vasto also operates the Auto Value, Monsieur Muffler, Mister Muffler, Auto Mécano, Monsieur Transmission and OCTO Auto Service Plus banners. It is a member of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance.