AUSTIN, Texas -

Former Kelley Blue Book president and chief executive officer Paul Johnson has joined the board of directors at Vast, the parent company behind the CarStory Platform.  

Johnson was at the helm of KBB for 13 years and also led software/hardware services startup CDMdata.  

Vast said in a news release that Johnson’s “deep understanding of the automotive landscape, and how companies use data and technology to succeed” will be a major plus in CarStory’s growth.

“Paul is joining at key time in our history,” Vast CEO John Price said in a news release. “The CarStory Platform is poised for exponential growth in 2018.

“We are excited to build on our proven platform and our 7,000-plus dealer relationships. As auto industry innovation quickens, we are proud to be a part of the positive change,” he said.

CarStory utilizes what it says is the largest database of inventory and shopper insights in the industry. Through artificial intelligence and machine learning, the company helps consumers and dealers in decision-making.

“I have seen first-hand the way data can impact every aspect of the automotive ecosystem,” Johnson said in the news release. “The CarStory platform combines proprietary data, artificial intelligence and mobile-first experiences.

“It is extraordinary for one company to be so strong in all three areas,” he said. “The combination delivers a unique market perspective for both consumers and dealers. This makes the CarStory Platform one-of-a-kind and I’m excited to help bring it to the rest of the industry.”