Disc Brakes Australia embarked on a new chapter this month by appointing Vera Gerard to lead the business as its General Manager.

Vera brings with her a wealth of experience from her previous executive and leadership roles in national, global, and state businesses within the Automotive Aftermarket and Consumer Goods industries. This includes positions at myPlates, Spectrum Brands, Armored Auto Group, Sara Lee, and Clorox. She is known for her customer-centric approach and her ability to leverage data-driven insights to develop impactful business strategies, consumer and brand engagement, and operational excellence.

Vera joins DBA at a pivotal time and will oversee the rollout of a range of strategic initiatives to further strengthen its logistical and customer services offerings, including the opening of a new, state-of-the-art national logistics and distribution centre in Truganina (VIC) in September.

“I’m excited to be joining DBA as it presents a unique opportunity to lead an iconic Australian business with a solid foundation into the future. I look forward to working with the talented DBA team to champion a customer-first approach and reinforce DBA’s position as a leading automotive aftermarket business” Vera said.

When asked to describe herself in one word, Vera doesn’t hesitate to name “curiosity” as her defining attribute, highlighting her constant drive to achieve impactful results for both customers and the business. Her philosophy of a ‘one team’ approach across all market verticals fuels her commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture and enhancing DBA’s relationships with external partners.

Looking ahead, Vera’s immediate priorities include nurturing DBA’s ‘customer-first’ mindset, creating operational efficiencies, and delivering a solid FY25 result. Beyond that, she is focused on setting the course for long-term sustained growth through innovation and a fit-for-purpose strategy.

Outside of work Vera loves cooking, travelling with her family and can often be found on the sidelines of the football field, cheering proudly for her teenage daughters alongside her husband.

DBA warmly welcomes Vera to the team and looks forward to her leadership in driving the company forward.