Emily Chung, on site at AutoNiche, which she sold in January 2025. The technician and business leader operated AutoNiche for 16 years.

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) has announced the appointment of Emily Chung as its new President and CEO, effective January 2, 2026

With over two decades of experience in the automotive sector and a passion for empowering the next generation of industry leaders, Chung brings a unique blend of hands-on technical knowledge, business leadership, and public advocacy to the role.

As founder of AutoNiche, Chung led the successful independent repair shop she owned and operated in Markham, Ontario, for over 16 years. Under her leadership, AutoNiche became known not only for its technical excellence but also for its inclusive, customer-first service model and commitment to education in the skilled trades.

An award-winning industry voice, Chung was the recipient of the 2024 Ontario Premier’s Award for Skilled Trades and Centennial College’s Alumni of Distinction Award. 

She is a familiar face to many Canadians through her regular appearances on CBC, CP24 AutoShop, and Amazon Live, and she is a frequent contributor to industry publications and public panels advocating for the Right to Repair and other key sector issues.

A passionate educator and speaker, she also serves as a faculty member at Georgian College’s Automotive Business School of Canada, where she teaches and mentors the next generation of automotive professionals.

She also continues to promote the skilled trades to youth across Canada and is a current board member of the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario.

“We are thrilled to welcome Emily as our next President and CEO,” said Tony Kuczynski, Chair of the AIA Canada Board of Directors.

“Her passion and deep experience across every level of the automotive industry make her uniquely qualified to lead AIA Canada and to champion the challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s automotive aftermarket.”

Chung holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Business from the University of Waterloo. She holds a 310S Automotive Service Technician–Red Seal certification.  She also holds an Executive MBA with a specialization in Business Analytics Leadership from the University of Fredericton.

“I am honoured to step into this role at such a pivotal moment for our industry,” said Chung. “AIA Canada has long been a strong, unified voice for the auto care sector, and I look forward to building on that foundation.”

Emily Chung succeeds JF Champagne, who will continue with the organization through June 2026. Champagne led AIA Canada through significant periods of transformation and growth.

Listen to what JF Champagne has to say about his time at AIA Canada