After forming America’s Auto Auction 10 years ago and leading its growth to the 12-member group it is today, Richard Gundy retired from the business in late March. Taking on the role of chief executive officer is Ben Lange, who adds the CEO title to his existing duties as president of the company.

Meanwhile, former MAFS, Manheim and Black Book executive Jeff Bunch is now the group’s chief operating officer. 

Dustin Miller, who has been with the company since inception, remains its chief financial officer.

America’s Auto Auction also promoted John Swofford, with the company since 2011, to serve as regional manager for the Texas markets; he will continue as general manager of America’s Auto Auction Austin, as well.

Additionally, the company promoted Brian Thomas, who has been with the company since 2008, to the role of regional manager responsible for the company’s locations in the Eastern U.S. His most recent post was as general manager of America’s Auto Auction Jacksonville.

Gundy retires from the business after a decade leading America’s Auto Auction. In addition to the 12 locations it operates, the company has an affiliated floor plan company in Auction Credit Enterprises.

America’s Auto Auction began its purchases in 2005 with the acquisitions of Jacksonville Auto Auction, Tulsa Auto Auction and Greenville Spartanburg Auto Auction. 

Lange came aboard in 2006 to lead operations for Gundy, and also brought America’s Auto Auction Dallas with him.

The company rebranded its entire corporate entity to America’s Auto Auction, and Lange was named president and COO. 

“I needed someone with experience and integrity to help run the business and found the ideal partner in Ben Lange. With his experience in both retail and wholesale vehicle sales and in auction operations, he has proven to be a tremendous asset to the company and an integral part of our success and growth over the years,” Gundy said.

Lange added:  “I love the auction business, and we developed a business plan to buy independent auctions in order to build a strong regional footprint. We determined it was best to plan for strategic growth by 'buying one good one at a time,' and not focusing on fixer uppers. 

“We are looking for well-run operations that have good reputations in our industry, which has yielded us 12 auction locations today.  After just 10 years in the business, we’re the third-largest provider of used cars in the country, and the company is in a great position to build for the future,” Lange said.

As for the latest move, the company broke ground for construction earlier this year for its second greenfield site, America’s Auto Auction Houston (the first greenfield was America’s Auto Auction Austin in 2007).

Additionally, its Auction Credit Enterprises affiliate floor plan company currently operates in Texas and Georgia and is “rapidly expanding” into new markets. Headed up by Bunch, its leadership also includes Marshall Baker, who was recently named its COO. Baker’s background includes time with MAFS and Ford Motor Credit.

“At America’s Auto Auction we maintain a keen focus on both buyers and sellers in order to nourish healthy local markets and build strong foundations for institutional remarketers,” said Lange.  “As the fastest-growing auction company in the country, we know how important a well-run facility is, and we’ve worked hard to ensure that each one of our auctions offers the highest level of service to every customer.”