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CARMEL, Ind. — ADESA Seattle recently moved up one of its long-time executives to assistant general manager while also naming a new fleet lease manager.

The auction indicated that, effective immediately, Dan Watt has been elevated to assistant general manager after holding a variety of roles there for more than 20 years.

ADESA Seattle noted Watt's range of experience includes working as the office manager, in operations, as the factory supervisor, factory manager, fleet lease manager, and for the last 10 years, he has been the operation's commercial account manager. In that role, officials noted Watt developed the fleet, financial and factory departments and built strong working relationships with both local and national accounts.

"I couldn't have chosen a better person for the job of assistant general manager," ADESA Seattle general manager Jason Arcaro stressed.

"Dan knows ADESA Seattle like the back of his hand and has developed so many outstanding client relationships. He's a real team player," Arcaro added.

All told, Watt has more than 22 years of auction experience.

Officials also stated Watt's guidance and efforts helped ADESA Seattle win the 2009 Wells Fargo Finance Award and the Auction Operational Award from General Motors.

Meanwhile, an executive who also has more than two decades of industry experience is coming on board as fleet lease manager.

George Powell is moving into this position with ADESA Seattle after joining the auction last year to handle customer service issues. Powell also oversaw outside fleet lease operations and managed remarketing projects with PAR North America at the auction level.

Executives recounted that Powell first worked for the company back in 2000 as director of operations for PAR North America, a subsidiary of ADESA. He held that position for three years.

In 2003, officials mentioned Powell moved to Manheim Seattle Auto Auction where he spent five years as the fleet/factory manager. He returned to PAR North America in 2008 as a contractor in vehicle remarketing.

Now back exclusively with ADESA Seattle, Arcaro pointed out Powell will work directly with clients to manage day-to-day account activities and weekly sales as the fleet lease manager.

"George is a great asset for ADESA Seattle," Arcaro emphasized. "He's got a lot of experience — he knows the auction business, and he knows the clients. Plus he has worked in remarketing for many years."