Automotive M&A firm Dave Cantin Group said Friday it has hired Haig Partners co-founder and former Asbury Automotive Group executive Nate Klebacha as chief acquisition officer, a newly created position designed to “emphasize and prioritize DCG’s advisory capabilities.”

Prior to joining DCG, Klebacha led his own auto retail advisory firm. His past experience includes co-founding and spending nearly a decade at Haig Partners, senior leadership roles at The Presidio Group and six years in corporate development at Asbury.

Klebacha joins DCG’s executive team and will manage its M&A advisory segment, heading up its national team of managing directors.

“The creation of the chief acquisition officer role and Nate’s hiring is further evidence of DCG’s commitment to delivering greater value and better results to our dealership clients,” Dave Cantin Group president Brian Gordon said in a news release.

“Nate’s experience, relationships, knowledge of the M&A industry’s best practices, leadership, and principled approach to working with dealers made him the perfect fit for this role,” Gordon said.

Klebacha added, “Three years ago, DCG pivoted toward a comprehensive client partnership model, offering a full suite of advisory services. This strategic shift aligns with the changing needs of this industry: consolidation is transforming the way dealerships are managed and evaluated.

“DCG’s focus on sustaining long-term partnerships; leveraging market research, industry data and analytics in their work with clients; and delivering the deep network of contacts and connections to each engagement are all reasons why I’m delighted to join the DCG team.”