Dennis Thornhill, a longtime auto industry veteran with Toyota Motor North America, has joined Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions as an executive advisor.

In a news release, Pinnacle said Thornhill will use his extensive experience in dealer operations, franchise policy and market representation to guide clients through complex transactions. The firm said his longstanding relationships with dealers, including many of the nation’s largest dealer groups, will strengthen Pinnacle’s presence and reinforce its relationship-first approach to dealership mergers and acquisitions.

“The leadership style, passion and values of Dennis align perfectly with our culture,” Pinnacle president Mike Sims said, “and we’re thrilled to have him as an incredible resource to our team and clients.”

Dennis Thornhill

Pinnacle founder and CEO Bill Scrivner said Thornhill “brings a rare combination of institutional knowledge, strategic vision, and deep-rooted relationships across the automotive industry.”

In his 39-year career Thornhill has held roles in field operations, national distribution, sales, insurance and dealer network development. That includes more than two decades as vice president of retail market development for Toyota and Lexus’ Market Representation division, leading dealer franchise strategy, acquisition planning, facility branding standards, business management and the Toyota Dealer Investment Group, which aligned Toyota with future dealer partners.

Pinnacle said Thornhill has been a liaison with diversity dealers and has led successful initiatives. He was selected for the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers’ Distinguished Service Award in 2022.

“Joining Pinnacle feels like a natural next step,” Thornhill said. “Throughout my career, I’ve worked side-by-side with dealers, OEM leaders and transaction facilitators, and what always stood out was the value of trusted relationships and what more I could do to help. Pinnacle embodies that principle at its core.”