Autobarn owner Bapcor has announced company chair Robert McEniry is resigning effective immediately due to serious health issues.

The company has named Andrew Harrison, a non-executive director of Bapcor, as its new chair effective today.

McEniry, who joined Bapcor in early 2014, has been, according to the company, a guiding force that has seen the group grow from listing with an ASX market capitalisation of $300 million and now has a market capitalisation of $1.6 billion.

“Robert has been such a tremendous chairman of the Bapcor Group, providing unparalleled support to the directors, management and team at Bapcor,” said Darryl Abotomey, Bapcor’s CEO. “His wise counsel, measured advice and friendship will be missed by everyone.”

McEniry has overseen Bapcor’s successful growth including the acquisitions of Metcash Automotive, Hellaby Holdings Ltd. and many smaller acquisitions that have strongly grown shareholder returns, Abotomey said.

Access exclusive analysis, locked news and reports with Inside Retail Weekly. Subscribe today and get our premium print publication delivered to your door every week.