Vernon-based Kal Tire has new president from outside founding family
Vernon-based Kal Tire has a new president from outside the company’s founding family.
Kal Tire has announced Robert Foord, son of the company’s founder, is stepping down from the presidency position and Corey Parks is stepping up, according to a Kal Tire press release issued today, March 4.
“Corey is an exceptional leader, communicator and relationship builder — and he’s someone who strongly aligns with the values and culture of Kal Tire,” Foord said in the release. “Our family remains as committed as ever to the long-term success of the company, and we are excited for him to join the team.”
Kal Tire is going to remain a private, family-owned business, with Foord staying on as the executive vice-chair of the board after serving as president for 15 years.
Kal Tire was founded by Tom Foord in 1953 with a single service station in Vernon. Since the beginning it has been a family business and it has grown to 260 stores in Canada and supplies and services tires for 150 mine sites around the world.
Parks has a long track record in the industry with 22 years in leadership positions at Les Schwab Tire Centers in the U.S.
“This is a company I’ve respected deeply throughout my career, so I’m humbled and honoured by the opportunity to build on the legacy of Robert Foord,” Parks said in the release.
The leadership change was official as of March 1, but Parks joined Kal Tire in September 2023. He has spent the last six months visiting Kal Tire stores, the company’s mining operations and has since moved his family to Vernon.
“As we look to the future, I hope to offer not just continuity but also new opportunities for team members around the world to excel in their roles and exceed every customer’s expectations even, and especially, as our industry evolves,” Parks said.
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