Core Leadership &
Executive Team

Steve Bubulj

Panel Division CEO

Steven Bubulj has over 25 years of insurance experience with extensive knowledge of Supply Chain, Customer Experience, Procurement, Strategy, Claims & Assessing Operations and Product Development.

Steve has a strong background in strategy, organisational change, people leadership, operations and stakeholder engagement.

Steve has held several senior management/executive roles at IAG, Youi, QBE Insurance and is joining AMA Group as CEO Panel Division in July 2019.

Steve has a background in small business, and is a Board Trustee at ICAR Australia, a not for profit collision repair training organisation.

Peter Bubeck

Panel Division Chief Commercial Officer

Peter Bubeck commenced in the industry in 1992 as an apprentice panel beater and over a period of
25 years gained experience in all facets of the industry.

In 1997, Peter became a Director and the General Manager of Rugolo Motor Body Works.

Throughout 2012, he worked on, developed and perfected a revolutionary new method of automotive repairs using innovative technology, defined processes and management in founding RPM – Repair Process Management. The first RPM facility opened in Sunshine West Victoria and set the benchmark in express vehicle repairs.

Peter was appointed CEO of RPM – Repair Process Management in 2013 and was responsible with expanding the brand and its affiliated businesses.

In July 2014, RPM – Repair Process Management joined forces with The Gemini Group where Peter was appointed joint Managing Director and charged with the day to day management of the consolidated group across Australia and New Zealand.

In January 2017, Peter was also appointed GM – Insurer Relations and Special Projects for AMA Group Limited responsible for the management of all insurer, government and industry strategic relations for their Vehicle Panel Repair Division. This role included harnessing and creating opportunity for AMA through negotiating significant contracts with work providers, and sponsoring their implementation

In November 2018, Peter was appointed Chief Commercial Officer of AMA Group Limited and responsible for the management of all insurer, government, industry and OE Manufacturer strategic relations, as well as overseeing OHS and environmental governance, site P&E maintenance and centralised claims.

Peter does not believe in following the trends of the industry, rather tackling them head on and offering solutions to insurers and suppliers, creating strategic alliances and leading the way in innovation.

Dave Calder

Panel Division Chief Operating Officer

Over the last decade Dave played a critical role in the strategic development, growth, innovation and overall success of Fix Auto in the UK market, its standing as the leading country in the global organisation, and more recently joined the Executive Team at the AMA Group Panel Division.

He has 20+ Yrs experience of working within, growing, and leading teams and businesses in high growth environments to deliver optimal results in terms of outright performance, overall revenue and profitability growth, whilst ensuring maximum value for all stakeholders.

Specific areas of expertise are:

• Strategic Planning and Business Growth
• Change Leadership and Integration management
• Insurer & Client tenders, proposals and presentations
• Commercial & Contract Negotiations
• Financial Planning and P & L Management
• Supply Chain Tenders, integration and Management
• Inspiring People and Leading Teams
• Multi location Operations
• Client Relations
• Analytics and Trend analysis
• IT Innovation and Development
• Communications
• Conference Speaking
• Brand Identity & Strategic Growth

Stephen Harding-Smith

Panel Division Chief Financial Officer

Stephen has held a number of different commercial accounting roles in various industries over the past 20 years.

Stephen has always had a passion for finance, and after completing an accounting degree then went on to secure his CPA qualification and also an MBA.

Stephen joined the smash repair industry in 2007, and he has assisted with Gemini Accident Repair Centres growth as the premier consolidator in the private company arena. Now in his wider role as the Chief Financial Officer for the Panel Division within AMA, Stephen is responsible overseeing the finances of the division, assisting with organic and acquisitive growth opportunities and the management of the back of house operations, contributing to AMA’s long-term sustainability.

Jim Timuss

Panel Division Acquisitions Director

Over 25 years ago Jim started his career as a spray painter in Vancouver Canada.

After his apprenticeship he decided to pursue his passion to travel, finding himself working for a paint manufacturer in Australia.

Here Jim met Andy Hopkins, and has been with Gemini and now AMA since its inception.

In the early days at Gemini Jim worked in senior roles in operations. As time went on, he became involved with the growth of the business. Jim’s current responsibilities are acquisitions, new greenfield builds and groups procurement.

Katherine Drew

Panel Division People & Culture Director

Katherine has over 15 years’ experience in people and culture spanning multiple roles and industries from Transportation, Education, Hospitality and Government, both in Australia and overseas.

She has extensive experience coaching, mentoring and providing strategic advice and is passionate about leadership development, team dynamics, engagement and building strong positive cultures.

Katherine has a degree in Business and Management specialising in Human Resources and a Masters in Employment Relations.

Shane Hunter

Panel Division IT Director

Shane leads a team of IT professionals who are aligned to the execution of AMA’s business strategy.

He has been chief architect of the IT Infrastructure & applications since the business’ inception.

Shane has more than 20 years’ experience in the Automotive industry & worked in a diverse range of operational administration & management positions.

He has extensive knowledge across business integrations, change management, project management, standardising IT environments, vendor management, leadership & building relationships.

Darren Wales

Heavy Motor Division CEO

Darren started his career as a spray painter in his families business, Wales Truck Repairs in 1988. With a focus on growth and culture, he grew the business into one of Australia’s leading, multi award winning Heavy Vehicle Repair facilities.

In 2014 Darren identified a gap in the market and opened a specialised and dedicated bus repair facility, Wales Bus Repairs.

Again he developed this into the largest and best equipped premises of its kind. With year on year growth targets met, this too won many major industry awards and is regarding as the industry’s benchmark with worlds best practises adopted.

Darren is a founding member of the AHVRA – (Australian Heavy Vehicle Repairers Association), sat on the board of NTI’s first Premium Repairer Council and has gained a reputation throughout the Heavy Vehicle Industry that is second to none.

With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, Darren brings a wealth of knowledge to the Heavy Motor Division.