Dobbs Tire Gets New CEO

Audax Private Equity has named Derek Basile the CEO of Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers.

According to a statement from Audax, Basile succeeds Frank Kneller, "who will transition to executive chairman and continue to support Dobbs’ strategy and M&A initiatives.

"Basile joined Dobbs in early 2024 as chief financial officer and has played a key role in strengthening the dompany’s financial performance and strategic direction during a period of rapid growth. In 2025, Basile assumed additional responsibilities as chief operating officer, further expanding his leadership across the organization and helping build a scalable platform to support accelerated organic and M&A growth initiatives.

"Over the last two years, Dobbs has grown its location count from 43 to more than 150 while more than doubling revenue through same store sales growth, strategic rebuilding, greenfield openings and seven acquisitions."

"For over 50 years, Dobbs has been defined by its values and commitment to quality,” says Basile. “I am honored to build on the strong foundation established by Frank, Dustin Dobbs and the rest of the team. I look forward to leading the company into its next chapter of growth while continuing to deliver exceptional service to our customers and opportunities for our associates.” 

Based in High Ridge, Mo., Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers is one of the largest tire dealerships in the U.S., according to the 2025 MTD 100, published last July.

Audax Private Equity acquired a stake in Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers in 2023. With offices in Boston, Mass., and San Francisco, Calif., Audax Private Equity describes itself as “a leading, middle-market, growth-oriented investment firm with approximately $19 billion of assets under management, over 210 employees and 100-plus investment professionals.”