Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2026 Women in Retail honorees in the July edition of the magazine and will be posting Q&As with each of these outstanding leaders on the website.  First up, in alphabetical order by first name, is Adrienne Sanford, vice president of people operations at Carvana.

The Women in Retail program is presented by CarGurus.

What prompted/inspired you to join the auto industry and what do you enjoy most about it?
I actually stumbled into automotive, and I’m incredibly grateful that I did. I enjoy the competitiveness, the fast-paced environment, and all the innovation. Automotive is a massive industry that touches nearly everyone, but there is still so much opportunity to improve the customer experience and how the industry operates.

At Carvana, I’ve had the chance to work alongside creative, gritty team members who are never satisfied with the status quo. We’re constantly challenging ourselves to build better experiences for customers and better opportunities for our team members, and being part of that journey is what I enjoy most.

What is the top trend you’re watching in the used-car industry this year?
As a people operations leader, I naturally pay close attention to workforce trends. One area I’m particularly focused on is attracting, developing, and retaining skilled talent, especially automotive technicians, cosmetic associates, and other specialized roles that are essential to serving customers.

The companies that invest in creating great career opportunities, strong training programs, and clear paths for growth have a real advantage. Talent has always mattered, but as the industry continues to evolve, I think it will become an even more important differentiator.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
Without question, it’s helping build the team at Carvana. When I joined the company, there were 43 people. Today, there are nearly 25,000. I’ve had the privilege of helping hire thousands of talented team members over the years, but what makes me most proud is seeing those people build meaningful careers. Watching people grow and succeed has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my career.

What book, film or song has inspired you personally or professionally?
“Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi.  One of my favorite Carvana memories is from an early holiday party when the company was still very small. The party was held in our parking lot (not a rented venue), and when that song came on, every single person was on the dance floor screaming the lyrics as loud as we could.

At the time, we were all working incredibly hard to build Carvana. There was a lot of uncertainty, but there was also an incredible sense of belief and determination. Every time I hear that song now, I’m reminded of those early days and how far we’ve come. It still motivates me.

Who is someone who has inspired you personally or professionally?
Teresa Aragon, senior vice president of customer care at Carvana, has been one of the most influential people in my career.

She has taught me, and countless others across the company, to push through barriers until a problem is solved, to embrace difficult conversations because they lead to better outcomes, and to believe in yourself even when others may doubt you.

What I admire most about Teresa is that she combines high standards with genuine care. She has shown many of us that it’s possible to be ambitious, resilient, and successful while still bringing energy, authenticity, and fun to the work every day.