Introducing Adam Malik, AIA Canada’s new director of growth and partnerships

Adam Malik joins the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) as Director of Growth and Partnerships, bringing two decades of journalism and communications experience, including nearly a decade immersed in the automotive aftermarket. 

In his new role, Adam will focus on strengthening AIA Canada’s relationships across the auto care sector, growing the Association’s membership and partnerships, and ensuring more industry organizations understand the value of coming together through AIA Canada. His extensive knowledge of the aftermarket, combined with the relationships he has built across the sector, will help amplify AIA Canada’s work and connect industry professionals with the resources, expertise and networks they need to navigate a rapidly changing business environment. 

A career immersed in the automotive aftermarket 

Adam began his career as a journalist, working as a sports reporter, news reporter and newspaper editor for community newspapers in Alberta. His career also included nine years working with legal and accounting publications before he entered the automotive aftermarket as web editor for AutoServiceWorld.com. He later became editor of Jobber News. 

Adam also served as managing editor of Canadian Underwriter, Canada’s leading trade publication serving the property and casualty insurance industry. The role gave him valuable exposure to the collision repair sector and a deeper understanding of the issues connecting the automotive, insurance and collision industries. 

After Turnkey Media acquired CARS and Jobber News, Adam returned to the aftermarket full-time as editor-in-chief of its automotive aftermarket publications. He led print and digital properties including CARS, Jobber News, EV World and AutoServiceWorld.com. He also hosted Auto Service World Conversations, a podcast featuring discussions with industry leaders and professionals about the issues shaping the sector. 

Throughout his time covering the aftermarket, Adam attended industry events across Canada, gaining firsthand insight into the opportunities and challenges facing businesses throughout the supply chain. He has been an active member of AIA Canada’s Young professionals in the Auto care sector (YPA) Committee, and Auto Care Association’s Young Automotive Network Group (YANG), helping shape initiatives such as the Speed Mentoring Roundtable and coordinating speakers for professional development events. 

Adam has also shared his industry knowledge as a guest speaker at Georgian College and Centennial College, as well as at events including Student Aftermarket Day, the AARO Symposium and the International Aftermarket Summit. 

His industry commentary extends to LinkedIn, where Adam became known for his “walk ‘n talks.” Through these videos, he explored current industry issues while walking through local parks, highlighting challenges facing the aftermarket, sharing observations from industry events, interviewing professionals and drawing attention to important sector initiatives. 

Strengthening and amplifying the aftermarket 

For Adam, joining AIA Canada represents a continuation of the work he has already been doing throughout his career in the aftermarket: helping strengthen and advance the industry. 

The relationships he has developed across the sector have also shaped his appreciation for what makes the aftermarket unique. It is a close-knit industry built on strong professional connections, collaboration and a shared commitment to keeping Canadians moving. 

Protecting that industry is increasingly important as vehicle technology evolves and access to vehicle data becomes essential to maintenance and repair. Adam sees AIA Canada’s advocacy for the right to repair as critical to protecting consumer choice and ensuring independent auto care businesses can continue to compete and serve Canadians. 

At the same time, the industry is navigating significant changes in consumer behaviour, economic pressures, geopolitical uncertainty, evolving vehicle technology and the financial challenges facing Canadian consumers. Adam believes AIA Canada has an important role to play in bringing the sector together to respond to these challenges. 

A vision for growth through stronger connections 

Adam’s vision as Director of Growth and Partnerships is centred on ensuring that companies throughout the automotive aftermarket understand the role AIA Canada plays in representing and supporting their industry. 

Growing AIA Canada’s membership and partnerships means strengthening the collective voice of the auto care sector. Greater industry participation gives AIA Canada the resources and support needed to advocate effectively on behalf of the aftermarket while delivering programs, research, connections and other tools that help businesses respond to change. 

As these challenges continue to evolve and become part of the industry’s everyday reality, AIA Canada provides a place for the auto care sector to come together, share expertise and take action. 

For Adam, the reason for joining AIA Canada is simple: to continue his efforts to enhance the automotive aftermarket and help ensure it remains strong, competitive and ready for what comes next. You can reach him at adam.malik@aiacanada.com.