The torch has officially been passed for Asbury Automotive Group.

David Hult, the Atlanta-based dealership group’s president and CEO since 2018, has transitioned to the position of executive chairman effective today, ceding the president/CEO role to chief operating officer Dan Clara.

Asbury announced the leadership transition plan late last year.

David Hult (left) and Dan Clara

“During his tenure, David Hult led Asbury through the largest period of growth in the company’s history,” said Tom Reddin, the company’s non-executive chairman. “Asbury’s revenue more than doubled, share price tripled and earnings per share nearly quadrupled.

“Aided by a bold acquisition strategy that generated an aggregate net return on investment in the mid-teens and ahead of our expectations, Asbury has been transformed from a smaller regional player to one with scale in highly attractive markets with the most desirable brands across 14 states and 158 dealerships.”

In a news release, Asbury said Hult has been a strong advocate for innovation through strategic investments in technology, citing the company’s launch of Clicklane, a fully digital, end-to-end transactional tool.

He also spearheaded Asbury’s transition to the Tekion cloud-based dealership management platform, which the company said will allow it to “fundamentally change the retail experience for our guests at a lower cost.”

Before taking on the CEO role, Hult served three years as Asbury’s chief operating officer. The company said his passion for the business has shown in his “focus on creating a guest-centric culture” from his early days as a sales advisor to his time as CEO.

“David’s visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to our people have laid the foundation for Asbury’s growth into the company it is today,” said Clara, who joined Asbury in 2002 and was promoted to COO in February 2025. “Under his guidance, we have achieved remarkable growth while remaining anchored to our North Star: becoming the most guest-centric automotive retailer in the industry.

“I am deeply grateful for his mentorship and the trust he has placed in me throughout this journey. I look forward to building on that extraordinary legacy — leading a high-performing team and driving operational excellence across every function and in every store throughout our organization.”

Zinn honored as Northwood’s Outstanding Business Leader

Warren Henry Zinn, founder and executive chairman of Warren Henry Auto Group, was honored by Northwood University with its Outstanding Business Leader award for 2026.

The award was presented April 18 during the university’s 46th annual awards gala at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich.

In a news release, Northwood said the honor celebrates individuals “who define excellence through business leadership and community impact.”

Zinn’s automotive career spans more than five decades. The 1977 Northwood graduate has been, who started by picking up papers at his father’s used-car lot, opened his first dealership at age 21 and has since turned his family’s passion into Warren Henry Auto Group, which currently operates six premier franchise locations in Florida, extending from Key West to North Miami and Naples.

“Warren Henry Zinn’s story is a powerful example of The Northwood Idea in action,” Northwood vice president of advancement Murray Kyte said. “He has built a remarkable career by combining entrepreneurial vision and personal responsibility with a deep, unwavering commitment to people.”

The award was accepted by Zinn’s son Larry Zinn, the dealership group’s executive general manager.

“This recognition is incredibly meaningful to our family,” he said. “My father’s journey began with a strong educational foundation and a commitment to doing business the right way.

“To be honored by the very institution that helped shape his path is a true full-circle moment. We are deeply grateful and proud to continue building on the legacy and values he has instilled in our company.”

Northwood University’s Outstanding Business Leader Awards program has recognized influential leaders since 1981, highlighting individuals whose professional success and personal character serve as inspiration for future generations of business professionals, the university said. Past recipients include Roger Penske, Arnold Palmer, Richard DeVos, William Koch, Herman Cain and Jean Nidetch.

Carlock moves north with acquisition in Indiana

Carlock Automotive Group has ventured out of the South with its latest acquisition.

The dealership group, based in Brentwood, Tenn., has purchased Carver Toyota of Columbus in Taylorsville, Ind., from Roy Carver Jr. and Ashley Jannie, according to Performance Brokerage Services, which brokered the transaction.

The new addition, which has been renamed Carlock Toyota of Columbus, is the family-owned dealership group’s first store outside of its previous footprint in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

The company now operates 11 locations, selling mainstream brands such as Toyota, Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram, Volkswagen and Nissan, as well as luxury and performance brands Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley, Alfa Romeo, Porsche and Maserati.