At the end of this month, David Fraser's nearly four decades in the automotive industry comes to an end. 

The Capricorn Group Chief Executive Officer will officially hang up the boots and retire on 31 December 2024. Throughout his career, David has stewarded two of the aftermarket’s biggest WA-born brands – Coventry Group and Capricorn – and dedicated countless hours to forging a strong future for both our industry and the cooperative movement.

David joined Capricorn in 2006 as General Manager of Automotive. At the time, Capricorn had about 150 employees and 9,000 Members. In 2019, David was made Group CEO, and brought in the skills, capabilities and technology he knew were needed to help take Capricorn to the next level. After 5 ½ years leading Capricorn, the cooperative has over 30,000 Members who spent $3.7 billion on their Trade Accounts in the 2024 financial year (up from $2 billion in 2019).

David’s legacy will extend beyond Capricorn, as he has played an active role in the development of both the automotive industry and the cooperative movement. David said the fact Capricorn remained committed to the cooperative principles has been critical to its success.

“It’s the glue that holds us together,” he said. “That Capricorn continues to invest in working with other cooperatives and building out those relationships is to our benefit, because it means that we can continue to learn from others.”

It is no surprise that in 2022 David was inducted into the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association’s Hall of Fame, and more recently has been inducted into the Business Council for Cooperatives and Mutuals (BCCM) Honour Roll, recognising his contribution to the industry and cooperatives.

After almost four decades, how does David reflect on a career in the automotive industry?

“I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to meet a lot of our Members and Preferred Suppliers over the years. We’re in our 50th year and my role has always been about making sure that we’re here for the next 50 years. I know with confidence that Brad will carry Capricorn into the future with vision and enthusiasm”.

Brad Gannon, Capricorn Chief Executive Officer Automotive will officially start in the Group CEO role on 1 January 2025.

“I am absolutely thrilled to take on the role of Group CEO following David’s retirement. It is a great honour and I look forward to continuing to deliver an amazing experience for our Capricorn community,” Brad says.

A huge thank you to David Fraser for his almost two decades at Capricorn, and 39 years in the automotive aftermarket. David has been an inspirational and innovative leader, leading Capricorn, cooperatives and the industry towards success.

Image: David and Brad stand together at a Capricorn Trade Show

For further information contact media@capricorn.coop or +61 455 731 955.

About Capricorn 

Capricorn Society was established in 1974 to support small business owners in the automotive aftermarket. Now 50 years later, Capricorn has over 30,000 Members across Australia and New Zealand including mechanical workshops, collision repairers and auto electricians.

Capricorn offers a range of competitive financial services products, including its flagship Trade Account that connects Members with over 2,000 Preferred Suppliers. 

Proudly operating by cooperative principles, Capricorn Members also have access to risk protection, exclusive industry events and a generous Capricorn Rewards Program. For more information, visit capricorn.coop.