Direct Automotive Services has named Steve Watson as chief financial officer.

Direct Automotive Services, formerly named Direct Auction Services, serves wholesale auto auctions, retail auto dealerships and final mile logistics companies throughout the lifecycle of vehicles, including local pickup and deliveries, vehicle reconditioning, auction labor and vehicle inspections and production optimization.

Watson was previously with Wholesale Inc., a vehicle wholesaler based out of Hendersonville, Tenn. He was chief financial officer for that company for eight years.

In 2018, RumbleOn purchased Wholesale Inc. RumbleOn is a publicly traded, national e-commerce company that uses technology to simplify how dealers and customers buy and sell online. As chief financial officer at Wholesale Inc., Watson “positioned the company for maximum valuation,” according to Direct Automotive Services.

Watson transitioned the company to RumbleOn, remaining as chief financial officer until RumbleOn moved accounting and finance operations to its Irving, Texas headquarters this year. 

A certified public accountant, Watson has more than 29 years of accounting and finance experience.

“I am excited to work with the team at DAS,” Watson said in a news release.

Watson continued, “My goal is to use my experience and background to grow the financial and administration department. The company has grown rapidly in the past and is poised to grow even more. There are great things in the future.”

Watson will be based out of the DAS corporate offices in Hendersonville and will oversee the financials, accounting, HR/payroll, administration and IT departments with the help of DAS managers and controller for all five family brands; Roadrunner Services, Direct Reconditioning, Auction Tires Online, Labor on Loan and The Vehicle Inspectors. 

“We are delighted to have Steve join Direct Automotive Services,” said David Nutter, president and chief executive officer of Direct Automotive Services.

Nutter continued, “He compliments our fast-paced culture, and we believe his impressive reputation for execution and achieving results, especially in the automotive sector with both private and public companies, makes him an exceptional choice to lead our financial strategy and overall company vision to the next level. His skill set fits well with the strength of our existing finance organization, and his broad range of capabilities including strength in data driven metrics and technology will elevate our systems as we continue to deliver industry-leading services in the U.S. and Canada.”