I-CAR has named Kyle G. Thompson as its new president and CEO, succeeding John VanAlstyne in the role as he takes the helm May 5.

Thompson served on the I-CAR board of directors for nine years and as chairman of the board from 2020-2022.

I-CAR posted a press release to their website April 10 highlighting Thompson’s experience on the I-CAR board but didn’t elaborate on his 31-year career in the collision repair industry.

Thompson is currently vice president of client services at Gerber Collision and Glass, according to LinkedIn.

Thompson worked at Progressive in property and casualty claims from 1994-2007 and then at USAA as P&C claims assistant vice president from 2007-2023. He began working for Boyd Group/Gerber Collision in 2023.

Thompson also sits on CAPA’s Board as one of three collision repairers listed on its website.

I-CAR noted that under Thompson’s leadership as board chair, the organization earned accreditation from the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), and championed the opening of the Chicago Technical Center and the launch of I-CAR’s Talent Programming Initiative.

“I am both honored and excited to step into the CEO role at I-CAR,” said Thompson, in the release. “John has left an extraordinary legacy, and I’m committed to continuing the important work he leaves behind. I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated team, industry partners, and stakeholders to ensure that I-CAR remains a trusted leader in advancing consumer safety, technical education, and related services, and serving our industry with excellence.”

Van Alstyne has led I-CAR for 15 years and will retire later this year. He joined I-CAR in December 2010, and since then, “has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s relevance, growth, vision, and success,” according to the release.

“Under his leadership, I-CAR expanded and reshaped its product and service offerings, achieved financial stability, and made a lasting impact on the collision repair industry,” the release states.

Van Alstyne also said in the release that it’s been an incredible privilege to lead I-CAR.

“I’m deeply proud of the work we’ve accomplished as a team on behalf of the industry,” he said. “As an industry, we are more broadly performing complete, safe, and quality repairs and more connected because of the dedication of our team and the support of our partners. I have full confidence in Kyle’s leadership and the future of I-CAR under his guidance.”

Over the last 15 years, I-CAR reinvested over $57.9 million into initiatives, significantly grew its Gold Class shops, and nearly quadrupled credentialed shops to over 10,000 by the end of 2024, according to the release.

Last June I-CAR issued an Impact Report highlighting ways in which the I-CAR Industry Impact Fund, a strategic reserve funded by ongoing retained earnings and governed by the I-CAR Board, has contributed to the industry. Example contributions included:

• • $20.9 million over three years focused on attracting, training, and retaining technicians that “will fuel the future of the industry.”
  • $7.8 million over two years on the I-CAR Technical Center to advance emerging technologies and EV/ADAS training in best-in-class facilities.
  • $1.1 million over one-and-a-half years researching emerging technologies “to enhance the learning experience and education accessibility.”
  • Investments in system enhancements, course updates, and technical support.

I‑CAR defines the Industry Impact Fund as a strategic reserve component governed by the I‑CAR Board for the industry’s benefit.

According to I-CAR’s website, for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, I-CAR listed an Operating Fund reserve of $53 million, and an Industry Impact Fund reserve of $50 million, for a Total Reserve of $103 million.

“John’s leadership has been transformative for I-CAR, and we are incredibly grateful for his tireless efforts in shaping the organization into what it is today,” said Jennifer Goforth, I-CAR Board chairwoman, in the release. “As we transition to a new era with Kyle as CEO, we are confident in his ability to continue building on the solid foundation John has laid. Kyle’s deep industry experience and commitment to I-CAR’s vision and mission make him the ideal person to lead the organization forward.”

Van Alstyne and Tim O’Day, Boyd Group Services Inc. CEO, presented during IBIS USA the first week of April on “Leadership through Collaboration – Past Lessons and Future Strategies.” The session was intended for audience members to hear from “two iconic leaders of the U.S. collision repair industry who coincidently happen to both be retiring in 2025. Both have had a significant influence on the shape of the market over the past decade or more” and the session was slated to “hear from them on what changes have been most consequential, where they believe the market is heading, and what lessons and messages they would leave for the future leaders of our industry.”

O’Day immediately preceded Thompson as I-CAR Board chairman from 2018-2020.

I-CAR awarded Thompson with its Founder’s Award in 2023. The award honors individuals for their unwavering commitment to upholding and advancing I-CAR’s vision and mission, the release states.

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Featured image: Kyle G. Thompson, I-CAR’s newly-appointed president and CEO. (Credit: I-CAR LinkedIn page)