LAS VEGAS -

A leadership transition for the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association is set to take place today, following the conclusion of the association’s annual convention.

Michael Linn, who has been chief executive officer for 14 years, becomes CEO emeritus.

As part of the transition, promoted to the role of executive vice president of NIADA is Steve Jordan, who has been the chief operating officer since 2011.

NIADA indicated in its statement that a transition team created by Linn and headed up by NIADA past-president Charles Teel has been working on a transition plan for the past two years.

In his new post, Jordan will head up day-to-day operations, becomes president of NIADA Services board and the NIADA Foundation’s board of trustees, and reports directly to NIADA’s executive committee.

Linn — who was executive director of the Carolinas IADA for 12 years — is moving back to North Carolina, where he will employ his broadcasting and media background to foster growth opportunities in the association’s NIADA.TV and Conference Broadcasting TV properties as well as other new media avenues.

He will continue working with the executive committee and attend industry events, officials said.

“There is a lot of room for future growth in that area for the association that we are excited about.” Linn said. “To meet that demand, my primary focus will be to take the NIADA Internet TV networks to the next level.”

As executive vice president, Jordan will continue to be responsible for growing and maintaining NIADA’s regulatory and legislative affairs programs, member services and association publications, plus coordinating activities with the state affiliate organizations.

“It’s such a great honor to be given this opportunity to serve the NIADA, our dealers and the automotive industry in this capacity,” Jordan said. “I am humbled by the faith and trust Mike Linn and the NIADA executive committee have placed in me to carry the torch into the future.

“I’m excited. This position suits my background, personality and professional experiences perfectly.”

Chris Martin, former NIADA president and current chairman of the executive committee, said, “The NIADA executive committee is eager to lean on Mike’s broadcasting background to ramp up the NIADA TV networks and is thrilled to have someone of Steve’s enthusiasm, integrity and automotive industry experience steering the NIADA ship.

“Mike Linn is leaving some very big shoes to fill, but we are all confident Steve is the right man at the right time to build on the solid foundation Mike has established during his storied career at NIADA.”

More Industry Reaction

After word of this change came about, several industry leaders shared their thoughts with Auto Remarketing on Linn’s move and his years in NIADA leadership.

Among those was Pierre Pons, CEO of ServNet Auctions.

“From the independent auction’s perspective, and specifically from that of ServNet Auctions, we sincerely appreciate Mike’s contributions over the years,” Pons said.

“His leadership at NIADA has been strong and steadfast and our entire industry has been the beneficiary of those efforts.  Independent dealers are the lifeblood of the auto auction customer base, and Mike has worked hard to strengthen both the communication and processes that allow our ServNet Auction members to provide these dealers with the marketplace to acquire and resell their vehicle inventory,” Pons continued. “We wish Mike the best of luck and look forward to working with Steve Jordan and the NIADA team.”

Over at the National Auto Auction Association, CEO Frank Hackett said: “Mike Linn is one of my favorite associates in the industry. I am thrilled for Mike as he was recognized with the NIADA Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Mike knows how to make things happen and a joy to work with on any project including our legislative partnership and our recent announcement of combining NIADA and NAAA publications. On behalf of the 320 members of the National Auto Auction Association, we wish Mike all the best as he moves to his next NIADA assignment,” he added.

Joe Overby can be reached at joverby@autoremarketing.com. Continue the conversation with Auto Remarketing on both LinkedIn and Twitter.