SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Mitchell International has announced that Tom Fleming, vice president of database development and 25-year veteran of the company, recently retired. Fleming will continue to work as a private consultant in the collision repair industry as part of his newly formed consultancy, Pelham Business Advisors.

Alex Sun, Mitchell’s president and CEO, said, "Tom exemplifies the Mitchell commitment to making the collision repair industry perform at as high a level as possible. His work on important industry initiatives, ranging from database development to leading important industry collaborations, has had a lasting positive impact on all who have had the opportunity to work with him. We look forward to his continued contributions to the industry as a whole and wish him well."

Fleming’s career at Mitchell started in the Labor Department in the mid-80s, and by 2007, after several promotions, he assumed the responsibilities of vice president of industry relations — proudly becoming the "face" of Mitchell at all key industry functions and gatherings.

Throughout his long and distinguished career, Fleming has been a catalyst for innovation and market leadership, benefiting Mitchell as well as the entire collision repair industry. His many accomplishments include creating the Mitchell Advisory Board, a landmark achievement that put in place a vehicle to gather input from a permanent group of body shop, insurance and independent industry representatives on the data, procedures and functionality of Mitchell’s products.

Fleming also contributed a tremendous amount of effort directly into developing the company’s products by overseeing and improving the production of its industry leading Mitchell Collision Estimating Parts & Labor Database and introducing the Mitchell "How To" series — the predecessor to the current online RepairCenter Tech Advisor. He was also responsible for creating the Materials Estimating Guide (MEG) from its evolution to the current electronic Refinishing Materials Calculator (RMC) and extending Mitchell’s estimating offerings into specialty claims to cover items in the heavy and medium duty truck, motorcycle, RV and marine areas. Harnessing his extensive industry knowledge, Fleming expanded critical research projects and deep dives on industry facing issues as well.

Fleming has also donated his time generously as an I-CAR instructor, readily sharing his knowledge and expertise with many. Throughout the years, he has represented the industry on countless subcommittees at CIC, with the I-CAR Education Foundation and many other industry functions.

"Speaking on behalf of all Mitchell employees and many industry partners, we want to congratulate and show our appreciation to Tom for his longstanding service to the industry and to Mitchell International. We thank you for your 25 years of loyal and dedicated service, and we wish you the best and continued health and success in your next chapter of your life," added Marc Brungger, executive vice president, Auto Physical Damage, Mitchell International.