CoolDrive ranked among Australia’s best privately managed companies by Deloitte

VASA member CoolDrive Auto Parts has received a Deloitte Best Managed Companies award for 2022, along with eight other Australian companies that have also been recognised for organisational success and achievement.

A notable accomplishment

The programme, first introduced in Canada in 1993, uses Deloitte global insights and global best practises, developed over more than 30 years of working with private companies, to recognise and honour Australia’s most outstanding privately owned and managed businesses, which set the bar for business performance and are a major contributor to the country’s economy.

CoolDrive was assessed on its performance in relation to four important pillars: strategy, culture and commitment, capabilities and innovation, plus governance and financials by an impartial judging panel made up of programme sponsors and special guest judges.

Nominated companies went through a rigorous training and evaluation process before the Best Managed Business winners were chosen.

Setting the greatest possible standards for business

CoolDrive Auto Parts CEO John Blanchard (JB) – recipient of a VASA Pioneer Award in 2018 – said: “Over the last 40 years, CoolDrive Auto Parts has grown to become Australasia’s largest family-owned and operated aftermarket automotive component supplier, with an industry-leading level of service and expansive product range.

“Driving the CoolDrive business is our mission to ensure we not only meet but exceed our customer’s expectations. We shall continue to invest substantially towards expanding the business, improving relationships with customers and suppliers, and providing our staff with secure employment with opportunities for advancement.”

Resilience through adversity

Deloitte Private partner and Best Managed Companies Asia Pacific leader Natalie Faull said: “This year, the program has really demonstrated just how well our best managed private businesses, and that includes CoolDrive Auto Parts, have emerged from the COVID pandemic as purpose-driven, disciplined organisations, innovators and industry leaders that are navigating the future with confidence.”

The significance of the win

Only a small number of businesses – roughly 1000 in 48 different countries – have received this accolade during the course of the award program’s 30-year existence.

JB said: “We are honoured to have the hard work we have put into our strategy, approach to innovation and capabilities recognised externally by Deloitte and the Best Managed Companies judges in this way, particularly in our first year of entering the program.”

VASA congratulates CoolDrive Auto Parts for earning this prestigious accolade.