Leadership Transition at I-CAR: Kyle Thompson Takes Helm as New CEO Following John Van Alstyne's Retirement

Leadership Transition at I-CAR: Kyle Thompson Takes Helm as New CEO

On April 10, 2025, I-CAR, a prominent organization in the collision repair sector, announced the appointment of Kyle G. Thompson as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President, effective May 5, 2025. This announcement marks a significant transition for the organization as it bids farewell to John S. Van Alstyne, who has been at the helm for an impressive 15 years. Van Alstyne's leadership has left an indelible mark on I-CAR, establishing its relevance and stability in an evolving industry.

Jennifer Goforth, Chair of the Board at I-CAR, praised Van Alstyne for his transformative efforts that have shaped the organization during his tenure. "John has been integral to our growth and vision," Goforth stated. Under his guidance, I-CAR expanded its product and service offerings significantly and reinvested over $57.9 million into initiatives aimed at enhancing industry service.

Thompson, who has been associated with I-CAR for nearly a decade as a board member and former chair, is well-equipped to embrace this new role. His tenure on the board has already seen considerable achievements, including the opening of I-CAR's Chicago Technical Center and the initiation of the Talent Programming Initiative, both of which underscore I-CAR’s commitment to industry advancement.

Speaking about his new role, Thompson expressed his enthusiasm: "I am both honored and excited to step into the CEO role at I-CAR. John has left an extraordinary legacy, and I'm committed to continuing the important work he leaves behind." His vision is to foster collaboration among I-CAR’s team, partners, and stakeholders to uphold the organization’s mission of enhancing automotive safety and education in collision repair.

The announcement of this leadership change comes on the heels of Van Alstyne's planned retirement, which was officially announced in April 2024. Reflecting on his time with the organization, Van Alstyne noted, "It has been an incredible privilege to lead I-CAR over the past 15 years, and I'm deeply proud of the work we've accomplished as a team on behalf of the industry."

Thompson’s background is notable, featuring a solid 31-year track record in the collision repair sector, encompassing both insurance and repair facility operations. He earned recognition for his contributions with the Founder's Award from I-CAR in 2023, an accolade given to individuals who exemplify commitment to the organization's mission.

Established in 1979, I-CAR has been dedicated to the advancement of the collision repair industry through education and continuous improvement. As Thompson steps into this pivotal role, the organization is poised to continue its important mission of delivering quality education, technical support, and promoting consumer safety within the automotive repair landscape.

As this leadership transition unfolds, all eyes will be on Kyle Thompson to steer I-CAR further into the future, responding to challenges and opportunities that arise within the rapidly changing collision repair industry. The confidence expressed by Goforth and others in the organization hints at a promising and innovative future ahead for I-CAR under Thompson's stewardship.