When Chris Hutchinson speaks about Nova-Group, he never raises his voice. And yet, his words say it all: vision, determination, and a deep sense of belonging.
He’s not just the president of an international group. He’s someone who was there from the very beginning, when decisions had to be made quickly and courageously. And he’s someone who, even today, still sees Nova as a family before a business.
«I have three roles,» he says with a smile. «Regional, national, and international. At RIMAT, at Nova, and on the board of Temot International. Three different hats, but all within the aftermarket world.» He says it simply, but the complexity of his position is clear. Yet he doesn’t boast about it. The real strength, he explains, lies in the people who work with him every day: «We have independent, skilled, and reliable teams. Even when something unexpected happens, I know I can trust them».
What stands out the most, however, isn’t the efficient organization. It’s the human gaze with which he describes the group. For Chris, NovaGroup has always been more than just a business structure. It’s a network of affinity, a community of like-minded people, in both culture and work ethic.
«Yes, we’re business partners. But we’re also friends. We’ve done so many things together over the past twenty-five years. We’ve shared projects, ideas, challenges. It’s a spirit that still unites us today. A bit like a family.».
In fact, the most moving story comes when he recalls the birth of Nova—a moment he describes as “raw” and decisive.
«We had reached a crossroads. There were disagreements; it was time to go our separate ways. But we didn’t stop. We had a clear vision, determination, and the will to start again. And so, quickly, we built something new—on the same foundations as always. We’ve never abandoned those values».
Ten years later, that courage has paid off. Temot International—a global network with over a hundred members—recognized NovaGroup as the best group in the network.
«It was a special moment. Not just because of the award, but for what it represents: it’s the recognition of a collective effort, of a journey taken together, without ever losing our identity.»
But Chris doesn’t dwell too much on achievements. He looks ahead. He does so with the optimism of someone who has lived through crises, pandemics, and massive transformations—and has always come out stronger.
«Our sector has a great advantage: people will always need to repair their cars. That won’t change. Challenges will come, for sure. But we’ve already proven we can face them. We made it through Covid, through economic crises. We’re resilient, and we always will be.»
The future of the aftermarket, he believes, is no straight road. On the contrary, it’s a weave of directions, cultures, complexities. «It’s too simplistic to talk about a single aftermarket. Every country, every segment has its own nuances. Italy alone is a mosaic. Let alone Europe, or the world. That’s what makes it all so interesting.»
And finally, when asked what role he’d have on a football team, Chris doesn’t choose to be captain. He doesn’t want the spotlight, or the podium. «I don’t like to talk about myself. I prefer to think I’m part of the team. It doesn’t matter what position I play—the important thing is that we play together, united, to win the game.»
That’s what Nova-Group really is. A bold enterprise, a global community, but above all, a team that—ten years on—still hungers for the future.
The future of the aftermarket, he believes, is no straight road. On the contrary, it’s a weave of directions, cultures, complexities. «It’s too simplistic to talk about a single aftermarket. Every country, every segment has its own nuances. Italy alone is a mosaic. Let alone Europe, or the world. That’s what makes it all so interesting.»
And finally, when asked what role he’d have on a football team, Chris doesn’t choose to be captain. He doesn’t want the spotlight, or the podium. «I don’t like to talk about myself. I prefer to think I’m part of the team. It doesn’t matter what position I play—the important thing is that we play together, united, to win the game.»
That’s what Nova-Group really is. A bold enterprise, a global community, but above all, a team that—ten years on—still hungers for the future.
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