Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation Promotes Donnie Carr to CEO

HOUSTON – Christian Brothers Automotive, the #1 rated aftermarket car repair company for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power in 2021, announced today the retirement of founder and CEO, Mark Carr, and the appointment of his son and longtime company executive, Donnie Carr, to the role. Mark leaves the company’s operations after a strategic transitional phase, where he worked closely with Donnie to continue the brand’s tenured success and growth.

For nearly 40 years under Mark Carr’s leadership, Christian Brothers Automotive has expanded from a single location in Houston to more than 240 locations across 30 states, never closing a store. Donnie has served the company in leadership roles for more than a decade, most recently as President, which he will continue to serve as in addition to CEO.  In more recent years, Donnie and Mark have worked together to co-lead the company, setting revenue and profitability records and expanding to new geographic markets across the United States.
 
“Donnie brings the leadership qualities that Christian Brothers Automotive needs as it enters its next phase in business. He is a visionary who sets compelling goals that are quickly embraced by the home office team and franchisees, and he does so with humility and intense personal accountability,” said Mark, who started the company in 1982. “After witnessing Donnie launch major profit-focused initiatives as he took on new leadership roles over the past 14 years, I have no doubt that his innovative mindset will steer CBA to new heights.”

Today’s announcement comes as the company celebrates two and a half decades of franchising and nears its 40th anniversary in 2022. Acknowledging that it has taken immeasurable employee contributions over the years to reach where the company is today, Christian Brothers Automotive also announced the launch of an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), which collectively gives employees the chance to take ownership of a substantial portion of the company.

“As we continue to expand our footprint and grow in profitability, I’m so thankful for the unrelenting effort of our team, many of whom have been with the company for years. Their loyalty and commitment to CBA’s values are a true source of pride for me and the entire organization,” said Donnie. “It’s because of their dedication that we’ve launched the ESOP. It’s a way of showing our thanks and allegiance to them. Plus, it’s an incredible legacy for my father, whose generosity and passion inspire me every day.”

About Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation

Dedicated to its brand mission “To love your neighbor as yourself,” Christian Brothers Automotive has firmly planted its roots in faith and honesty, which have set it apart in the auto services and repair industry. Christian Brothers Automotive ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Aftermarket Full-Service Maintenance and Repair Providers by J.D. Power two times in a row.*

With its guiding principles instilled from the very first location in 1982, Christian Brothers Automotive has successfully expanded to more than 240 locations across 30 states and has never closed a store. The Houston-based company delivers a variety of professional auto-care experiences including upkeep, maintenance, and repair.

*Christian Brothers Automotive received the highest score in the aftermarket full-service maintenance and repair segment of the J.D. Power 2021 Aftermarket Service Index (ASI) Satisfaction Study and in the general maintenance segment of the 2019 ASI Study. Visit jdpower.com/awards.