Our Team

Gray Cooper has extensive experience in the operation of heavy equipment and production optimization as a mine controller in the mining industry and has long been interested in applying lessons learned to the complementary automotive collision repair sector including the importance of equipment uptime, quality, and exceptional customer service.

After deep research into the auto collision repair sector, he has concluded that there is a significant opportunity to build a substantial business brand within this fragmented marketplace. He has assembled a team of experts to work with him to develop and execute a strategy of aggregating collision repair shops, leveraging the critical mass generated to improve capability and productivity, reduce cost, and grow revenues around a trusted brand.

David worked in the automotive, energy, technology and health sectors over more than 30 years.  He has built technology businesses from start-up and has grown private companies to public multi-billion dollar capitalization companies.  He is an MBA (Cranfield, UK), a Fellow of two accounting bodies (FCPA and FCMA) and has held Chairman, CEO, COO, CFO positions in large and small businesses.

He is an entrepreneur himself having started, grown & sold his own companies; he has rescued failing businesses, helped grow small and large businesses. In transactions worth getting on for $1Billion, he has bought from, and sold companies to, the likes of Oracle and IBM & taken companies public on US and European exchanges with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley as underwriters.

A hands-on manager, he is a demonstrated leader with international credentials.

Principal of SSHT Pty Ltd – Automotive Expert Services – Expert Witness providing professional Forensic and Diagnostic services to the Automotive Industry.

David has worked in the automotive industry for over 40 years owning and running repair workshops of various types and sizes. He has a focus on new methodology and vehicle technology,  and is an Automotive Specialist used as an Expert Witness by legal and other bodies, a Master Mechanic of the Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers, a Professional Educator holding a Bachelor of Vocational Education and Training, with several Cert IV’s in Logistics/Business Management, David  has taught Automotive Studies within TAFE, the Motor Traders Association (MTA NSW) and other accredited bodies.

Currently the National President of the Australian Automotive Repairers Association, a Board Elect and member of the Governing Council of the MTA NSW, and the Chairman of the NSW Automotive Mechanical Repair Division.  David has worked at all Court levels, the Federal Court in Class Actions, Supreme, District and Local Courts along with the Tribunals like NCAT and VCAT.

His main focus is in the areas of Automotive Crash Diagnosis and Faulty Repairs. Using his extensive experience, knowledge and known professionalism to further the automotive industry through skills development for licensed mechanics and training of automotive technicians.  Contributing regularly to professional journals and magazines. David developed and implemented a national LP Gas and Air Conditioning training course. And is a National Assessor for the Australian LPG Association.

Hydrogen-technology is an area of new technology fueling his passion for innovation which has seen him design, deliver and service equipment and travel internationally to train and liaise with Governments and Investors. Currently working on exciting new projects in this area as the Chief Technical Officer, with a company moving to public listing status.

Finally David assists a not-for-profit organization and is involved with a local charities and volunteer groups.

Phil Brook is a globally experienced Sales, Marketing and Communications leader with a passion for data, innovation and technology.  With over 30 years, with 3 of the world largest auto companies he has a highly successful track record in strategic marketing, brand building, marketing communications, digital, social, product development and sales management.  Phil has the ability to make the complex simple and inspires others with his no nonsense, lead by example management style.

Phil was Chief Marketing officer at General Motors for the Buick and GMC brands based in Detroit Michigan. In this position, he provided senior leadership and strategic direction for Global Buick and GMC marketing and advertising. He transformed the way the Buick and GMC brands target customers and buy media. Brook led the transition of Buick to a premium SUV brand, introduced the GMC “Like a Pro” marketing platform and launched the highly successful Sierra multi-pro tailgate advertising campaign. Brook was also responsible for the introduction of the world’s first all-electric Supertruck the GMC Hummer EV. During his tenure the division generated annual revenue of over $40 billion, achieved 15-year highs for both sales and share and hit record levels for Buick and GMC brand health.

Prior to this role, Brook was the Regional Director of Buick and GMC in the South Central Region based in Dallas Texas.  He grew volume, share and profitability for the channel by establishing strong, cooperative partnerships with the Dealer network and focusing on dealer digital retail innovation.

Brook joined General Motors Holden in 2004, following a sales and marketing career with Nissan and Honda. In 2007, he was appointed to Holden Director of Marketing, where he oversaw the brand’s advertising, marketing, and customer retention strategies. In 2011, he was appointed Director of Sales. In 2012, Brook moved into the position of Sales and Marketing Director where he led the national dealer network, introduced the new “Think Holden” brand campaign and successfully launched Holden’s largest ever product portfolio revamp. In 2013, Brook’s role expanded to Executive Director of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing for Australia and New Zealand; a role he remained in until taking his Regional Director assignment in the United States.

Brook holds a Bachelor of Science from Monash University, a Masters of Marketing from Melbourne Business School and most recently studied Transformational Leadership at Stanford University Graduate School of Business.  He also served on the board of General Motors Holden for Australia and New Zealand.

Mark has over 45 years’ experience in the collision repair industry and has worked throughout Australia and Europe during his career. With extensive experience within collision repair including owning and managing businesses both in Australia and overseas, he brings a very astute understanding of the industry and the developing changes appearing.

As the former CEO of the largest collision training company in Australia and chairman of the Industry Reference Committee for Skills for Australia, Mark’s understanding of upskilling and development of technicians to meet the future needs of collision repairers is both current and relevant. Mark was also chair of the Insurance and Repair Industry Code Committee and has helped bring both parties amicably together for the future needs of the industry nationally.

Mark is a well-known speaker at international events throughout SE Asia and currently provides independent consultancy services to the collision repair industry both locally and internationally.