Former Surrey Board of Trade leader brings more than three decades of business advocacy and executive leadership experience to provincial automotive organization.
BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) has appointed Anita Huberman as its new president and chief executive officer, effective Nov. 16, marking a leadership transition for one of British Columbia’s largest automotive industry organizations.
Huberman, who previously served as president and CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT), succeeds outgoing ARA president and CEO Adrian Scovell.
Founded in 1951, the Automotive Retailers Association represents more than 1,000 businesses operating within B.C.’s automotive service industry. The organization advocates on behalf of its members and supports businesses involved in various aspects of automotive repair, maintenance and related services.
The appointment brings an experienced business leader to the association as the automotive industry continues to navigate changes in technology, workforce requirements and economic conditions.
Huberman spent 31 years with the Surrey Board of Trade, including 18 years as its president and CEO. During her tenure, she was involved in business advocacy, government relations, economic development and initiatives supporting the regional business community.
She departed the organization in August 2024 after more than three decades of service.
According to the ARA, Huberman’s background in executive leadership and public policy will support the association’s efforts to represent automotive businesses throughout the province.
In a statement announcing her appointment, Huberman emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders and government in addressing the sector’s priorities.
“I look forward to … strengthening ARA’s provincial presence and working collaboratively with industry and government to build a competitive, innovative and resilient sector that contributes to economic growth in every region of our province,” Huberman said in a news release.
Her appointment comes as automotive businesses across British Columbia face an evolving operating environment, including advances in vehicle technology, changing consumer expectations and the need for specialized technical training.
Industry associations such as the ARA play a role in representing business interests, providing industry resources and communicating sector priorities to government and other stakeholders.
Throughout her career, Huberman has received recognition for her contributions to business leadership and economic development in British Columbia.
She is a past recipient of Business in Vancouver’s Forty Under 40 award and has been regularly included in the publication’s BC 500 list, which recognizes influential individuals across the province.
Huberman will formally assume leadership of the Automotive Retailers Association on Nov. 16, overseeing an organization with a provincewide membership and a history spanning more than 75 years.
Photo Credit: Chung Chow, Business in Vancouver
