Chris W.

Trailblazer
DISC Type : DI

Group CEO Managing Director at Bapcor Limited

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Overview

Chris W. is a C-suite director with over 20 years of experience leading iconic retail and wholesale brands across the automotive, hardware, and electronics sectors. A graduate of AGSM @ UNSW Business School, he is recognized for transforming large-scale businesses by fostering high-performing teams and delivering significant commercial and cultural value.

Outside of his executive roles, Chris is an avid cyclist and high-altitude climber. He draws parallels between the discipline required to summit 8000+ meter peaks and his approach to leadership, using these principles to drive his teams to achieve ambitious goals and reach new heights of success.

He applies the principles learned from climbing 8000+ meter peaks directly into his leadership style.

Personality Overview

Achievement-Oriented

Informal

Persuasive

They will bat for you if they come to believe in you.  They are more likely to accept new and exciting technologies. They prefer to ensure that they are in control of the situation.

Topics They Care About

People-First Culture
Believes that performance follows when you care for the team first, creating a trusted culture where people are empowered to take risks and grow.
Automotive Retail
Has deep expertise in the automotive sector, having served as Group CEO for Bapcor Limited and Managing Director for Supercheap Auto.
High-Altitude Climbing
A passionate personal interest, he is an avid climber and uses the lessons learned from summiting 8000+ meter peaks to inform his professional life.

Media Appearances

Chris Wilesmith appointed as CEO and Managing Director - Bapcor Limited (ASX:BAP). Featured in Listcorp

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Transcript : Bapcor Limited - Shareholder/Analyst Call. Featured in MarketScreener

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Work History

1-2026
Group CEO Managing Director at Bapcor Limited
1-2021
Group CEO Managing Director at WRE group
11-2025
Chair Non Exec Director at Carpet Court Australia Limited
7-2025 - 1-2026
Non Exec director at Australian Automotive Parts ( AAP )
7-2025 - 1-2026
Chairperson at Brandlines Pty Ltd

Education

Graduate Management Certificate from AGSM @ UNSW Business School
Master of Business Administration - MBA from AGSM @ UNSW Business School

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 33 Location : Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Job Level : Leadership Designation : Group CEO Managing Director at Bapcor Limited
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Insights For Selling To Chris

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use phrases like ‘your decision will’, ‘you will impact’ etc.
  • Keep your pitch focused on the impact but nurture the relationship too
  • Help them visualize the impact of their decision

DONT's

  • Don’t force involvement of other stakeholders unless it is critical
  • Don’t hesitate from asking questions or pushing them, but take a friendly approach
  • Do not look like someone who doesn’t know what they are talking about

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Chris is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Chris

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no though in a friendly way.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Chris move?

  • They can make decisions quickly if they develop trust in you and conviction in the product.
  • Can Chris take some risk or not?

  • If necessary, they will be ready to take risks.

You And Chris

Personality Compatibility


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