Big O Tires has announced this week that the organization’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, Kevin Kormondy, has decided to retire from Big O Tires at the end of October. The company also announced that John Kairys, former Carroll Tire Co. executive vice president and general manager, will lead Big O Tires as the executive vice president and general manager, effective immediately.

Kormondy’s announcement comes after 20 years of service to the organization and a solid track record of leading the franchise organization to impressive sales figures and expansion initiatives.

“Kevin has made a significant impact on Big O Tires throughout his 20 years,” said Brant Wilson, senior vice president of franchise operations for TBC Corp., parent company to Big O Tires. “His pride in the organization, dedication to the business and belief in the franchise model assisted him and the entire organization greatly throughout the years and we cannot thank him enough.”

“I’m proud to have been a part of the Big O Tires family for more than 20 years, and truly appreciate the relationships that I have built with our franchisees, as well as the hard work of all of those on our corporate team who made me a better person and a better leader,” said Kormondy. “I look forward to working with John Kairys during the transition and I am confident that his industry knowledge and leadership skills will have a positive impact on Big O Tires for years to come.”

Over the next month, Kormondy will work with Kairys as he transitions into the role as executive vice president and general manager of Big O Tires.

Kairys joined Carroll Tire Co. in 2014 after 15 years with Cooper Tire and Rubber Co., where he oversaw the development of key accounts and the execution of overall company growth in roles of increasing responsibility, the most recent being director, key account sales. Prior to Cooper Tire, he held management and leadership positions with Pirelli Tire, as well as NAPA Auto Parts, where he served for 11 years in roles such as fleet Services specialist, sales manager and general manager.

“John’s industry knowledge, expertise on tires and experience working with dealers will be tremendous assets to the team,” said Wilson. “We’re excited to welcome him to the team and look forward to working alongside him to make Big O Tires the best that it can be for our customers and our franchisee network.”