ATLANTA -

In an effort to provide a more consistent sales experience as well as meet its customers’ changing business needs, Manheim revealed Thursday it is aligning its major dealers and dealer sales functions within a single unit.

Promoted to vice president of dealer sales is Susie Heins, former VP of major deal dealers for Manheim. Heins will continue to report to Nick Peluso, senior VP of customer management, in her new position.

“With the industry rapidly changing, it has become increasingly necessary to be aligned in a way that allows us to identify and respond to those rapid changes,” said Peluso. “The dealer segment always has been at the core of Manheim’s business, and their needs have changed.

“Our structure is meant to fit these changes, providing more consistency and making it easier for customers to do business with us,” she added.

In conjunction with the realignment, Manheim has organized itself in two sales regions, East and West, “resulting in a more centralized sales and support structure,” officials noted.

New regional vice president roles have been established that will report to Heins. Scott Michaels will be taking up the position of VP of field sales, East; while Brett Franklin is now VP of field sales, West.

The company went on to describe these two new roles: the two regional VPs will oversee general market sales managers, field sales managers and 250 field sales representatives, as well as small commercial sales representatives.

“Together these teams will build relationships and grow dealer consignment efforts and market share for Manheim,” company officials stressed.

Peluso also elaborated on the new roles, saying, “The regional vice president’s goal is to understand the customers’ needs and continuously improve their businesses.”

Moving on to delve into Heins’ new duties, she will be responsible for the major dealer sales, sales effectiveness and dealer training teams, as well as an East and West Coast Manheim Trade Desk — a support and service center being established for Manheim dealers and field sales representatives.

The Trade Desks are designed to cover all regions and support buying or selling through any Manheim channel.

To work in these new areas, two directors have been appointed; these roles will report to Heins. Ben Gutwein has been named new director of Manheim Trade Desks, while Rick Burick is now director of sales effectiveness.

Heins concluded, “Our customers have told us that this more centralized approach will better fit their evolving business needs. Our job is to help our dealers and Manheim grow no matter what product or channel is used.”