Driven Brands Appoints New CEO, Agrees to Divest U.S. Car Wash Business

Driven Brands has made two huge changes to its leadership and operations, as shared in recent press releases.

Chief Operating Officer Daniel Rivera is being promoted to president and chief executive officer, according to a press release.

Rivera has taken the role, as well as joined the Board of Directors, effective May 9, 2025. He’s been with the company since 2012, joining as chief information officer. Since then, he’s held roles including Meineke brand president, president of Take 5 Oil Change, and group president of the maintenance segment.

Jonathan Fitzpatrick, Driven Brands president and CEO since 2012, notified the board of his intent to step down on Feb. 24, 2025. Fitzpatrick will continue to serve on the Board and has been appointed as non-executive chair of the board, effective May 9. 

Fitzpatrick will also serve as a senior advisor for the remainder of 2025, and Neal Aronson, current Chairman of the Board, will continue to serve as a director.

In addition, Driven Brands has entered a definitive agreement to sell its U.S. car wash business to Express Wash Operations, LLC dba Whistle Express Car Wash, for $385 million.

“This transaction will enable Driven Brands to reduce debt and enhance our focus on our growing Take 5 Oil Change brand and our stable, cash-generating franchise brands,” stated Fitzpatrick. “This decision follows a deliberate and thoughtful strategic review of value-maximizing options for the U.S. car wash business, and we are confident it will better position the Company to execute on our strategic initiatives and deliver long-term value to our shareholders.”