Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2026 Women in Remarketing honorees in the April edition of the magazine and will be posting Q&As with each of these outstanding leaders on the website.

Next up, in alphabetical order by first name, is Kristen Brothers, who is director of sales operations, enablement & support at IAA.

The Women in Remarketing program is presented by Ally.

What prompted/inspired you to join the auto industry and what do you enjoy most about it?

I didn’t grow up planning a career in the auto industry, but I was drawn to it because of the pace, the complexity, and the opportunity to make a measurable impact. My role sits at the intersection of operations, sales, technology, and customer experience, and that challenge energizes me.

What I enjoy most is the people. This business is built on partnerships and problem-solving, and no two days are the same. There’s something incredibly rewarding about aligning teams, improving processes, and creating structure that helps both customers and internal teams succeed. The industry moves fast, and if you’re willing to lean in, there’s constant opportunity to learn, evolve, and lead.

What is the top trend you’re watching in the used-car industry this year?

One of the biggest trends I’m watching this year is the continued digital transformation of how vehicles are bought and sold. Expectations around speed, transparency, and ease of transaction are higher than ever, and that’s reshaping everything from internal workflows to customer experience.

What excites me most is that we’re just at the beginning of what’s possible. There’s a real shift happening in how we think about digital enablement, not just as a support function, but as a strategic lever for growth.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?

The accomplishment I’m most proud of is the teams I’ve had the opportunity to build and support. Everything starts with people. When you invest in the right talent, set clear expectations, and create a culture rooted in accountability and trust, strong results tend to follow.

I’ve been fortunate to work alongside individuals who have grown into confident leaders, strategic thinkers, and trusted partners within the business. Watching someone step into their strengths, take ownership, and make a real impact is incredibly rewarding.

I care deeply about building environments where top performers want to stay; where learning is encouraged, collaboration is valued, and people feel empowered to solve problems and improve how we operate.

What book, film or song has inspired you personally or professionally?

One book that has resonated with me is “Start With Why” by Simon Sinek. The core idea, that clarity of purpose drives stronger performance and deeper engagement, has stayed with me throughout my career.

In my experience, whether you’re leading a team, supporting customers, or driving operational change, people perform at their best when they understand the “why” behind the work. It creates alignment, accountability, and motivation that goes beyond metrics.

That philosophy has influenced how I build teams and approach leadership. I focus on creating clarity around purpose, connecting day-to-day execution to larger business outcomes, and ensuring people understand how their role contributes to something bigger.

Who is someone who has inspired you personally or professionally?

Someone who has deeply inspired me is the late Maria Larsh. I had the honor of knowing her for many years as both a mentor and a friend. She was a true pioneer as a woman in the auction industry, building an extraordinary career after beginning her life in the United States as a Cuban refugee.

Maria carried herself with strength, confidence, and unwavering belief in her ability to belong in any room she walked into. One of the greatest lessons she taught me was simple but profound: if you don’t think you have a seat at the table, pull up a chair.

She didn’t just break barriers; she made it easier for others to walk through the doors she opened. Her example shaped how I show up as a leader: confident, prepared, and unafraid to take space.

I am incredibly grateful for the time I had with her, and I hope she is resting in peace, and in power.