Geoff Bedford has resigned as manager of the Australian Accident Repair Network (AARN).
In a statement, Bedford said ti was with much sadness and for personal reasons, that he tendered my resignation as AARN manager, to the AARN board of directors on Friday 25 June.
"My last day with AARN will be next Friday 9th July," he said.
"In the past four years and three months, with really great support from Michelle Byrne and the two directors (Paul and Bryan) of the old AARN entity, we have been able to build the AARN group into a national network of quality body shop members with 112 body shop members (up from 49 in March 2006) and increased the corporate member base from eight to 30 corporate members today.
"The AARN group is now the largest body shop group in the Australian vehicle smash repair industry.
"I have to say that the support from the member network, during my time as AARN manager, has been just great and it will be this side of the business I will definitely miss.
"I know I leave the AARN network in a strong position With a new board, a fresh approach and a Unified direction, the AARN Group is ready to take the next step.
"I wish the new AARN Board all the very best for the future.
"I take this opportunity to again thank Bryan James and Paul Sprunt, for giving me the opportunity to take on the AARN manager role, back in March 2006 and I wish everyone all the best in their future endeavors."
In a statement, the AARN board members thanked Bedford for his significant contribution to AARN during the past four-and-a-half years.
"Geoff has played a major role in developing the growth of AARN group and has been instrumental in the relationships he has built with all AARN members," the statement read.
"As a result it his important work, strong foundations have been l;aid for the continued growth of the AARN group."