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Caliber COO Mark Sanders to become CEO Jan. 1

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Caliber on Wednesday announced President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Sanders would succeed Steve Grimshaw as CEO of the nation’s largest collision chain.

The promotion takes effect Jan. 1, 2021. Grimshaw, who took over as CEO as 2009, will remain as the company’s full-time executive chairman.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Mark since my very first day at Caliber, and I can’t think of anyone better suited or more capable of leading Caliber into its next phase of growth. Caliber’s continued success is driven by our purpose of ‘Restoring the Rhythm of Your Life.’ Our experienced leadership team is committed to serving our teammates and customers and fostering our innovative culture,” Grimshaw said in a statement. “I am proud to continue being part of the team who plays an integral role in evolving the business and achieving our vision for the Caliber of Tomorrow.”

When Grimshaw took over at Caliber 11 years ago, the company had 2,100 employees and spanned 68 locations in two states. He now oversees more than 1,200 facilities and more than 21,500 employees in 34 states. He also grew revenue from $284 million to $4 billion.

As Grimshaw observed, Sanders has been at Caliber for all of that time — and even longer. He started with Caliber in 1997. AutoInc reported Caliber purchased the two shops owned by his father, Joe Sanders, that year.

BodyShop Business reports Mark Sanders was named chief operating officer in 2008. The exact date his presidency began is unclear, but he appears to have held the title for the majority of the past decade.

“I started my career in the collision industry 33 years ago as a shop helper. I have been fortunate to work alongside many great mentors and leaders such as my father Joe Sanders and Steve Grimshaw and have been awarded many opportunities to learn and develop throughout my career,” Sanders said in a statement. “I learned this business through working in nearly every position in the back and the front of a shop, so I have a unique perspective as I have been in our teammate’s shoes. My goal in the coming years is to continue to develop an experience that inspires every current and future Caliber teammate to reach their full potential through training and development while restoring the rhythm of millions of lives together.”

Caliber said it would name Sanders’ replacement soon and that the “new division of responsibilities positions Caliber for its next evolution of growth and success in achieving its long-term strategic initiatives.”

“Mark’s leadership has been a critical element of Caliber’s exceptional performance over the last two decades and we have tremendous confidence in Mark and his ability to continue strengthen and grow the business over the coming years.  Caliber is an outstanding business with a long-run way for growth,” Erik Ragatz, partner at Caliber majority owner Hellman and Friedman, said in a statement.

More information:

“Caliber Positions for Next Phase of Growth Announces Internal Promotions”

Caliber via Business Wire, Nov. 18, 2020

Images:

Caliber Chief Operating Officer Mark Sanders participates in the 2019 MSO Symposium on Nov. 4, 2019. (John Huetter/Repairer Driven News)

Outgoing Caliber CEO Steve Grimshaw is shown. (Provided by Caliber)

Incoming Caliber CEO Mark Sanders, currently the company’s chief operating officer, is shown. (Provided by Caliber)

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