Aug. 15, 2012—1-800-Radiator & A/C, a distributor of aftermarket automotive cooling parts, has appointed Ken Walker as non-executive vice chairman on its board of directors.
1-800-Radiator said Walker most recently served as chairman and CEO of Driven Brands Inc., the parent company of Meineke Car Care Centers Inc., Maaco Franchising Inc., Econo Lube and Tune Inc., Aero-Colours Inc., AutoQual USA, Drive N’ Style and Tortal.net.
“I am honored to be asked by 1-800-Radiator and its management team to look to the future. They have obviously already established themselves in both automotive distribution and franchising as innovators. I look forward to helping the team shape its future growth,” Walker said.
Walker has been a member of the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) board of directors since 2002, and member of the IFA’s Executive Committee since 2007. He is also a member of the IFA Franchisor Forum, IFA Research Committee, IFA Finance, Audit and Budget Committee, and IFA Educational Foundation Executive Committee, according to 1-800-Radiator.
Walker is currently a member of the World President’s Organization. In addition, 1-800-Radiator said Walker has served as chairman of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), and as a member of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association’s (AAIA) board of directors.
“Ken’s background in both the automotive aftermarket and in franchising complements our business perfectly. We are very excited to work with Ken to continue the company’s penetration into additional auto parts categories and franchise opportunities,” said Mike Rippey, CEO of 1-800-Radiator. “We all have tremendous respect for Ken and are all very fortunate to have him with us.”
