MAPLE SHADE and MT. LAUREL, N.J. -

Holman Automotive Group Inc. announced Monday it has named a new chief executive officer, chairman of the board and chief operating officer, among a variety of other new hires, as well.

Melinda Holman has been named chairman of the board, and Carl Ortell will assume the role of chief executive officer.

And Brian Bates will take on the role of chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Holman Automotive.

Furthermore, Chris Conroy has been named do the position of executive vice president at Holman and president of ARI.

Bill Cariss will serve as executive vice president of Holman and president of retail operations.

All these changes come as the organization’s chairman, Joseph Holman, is stepping into the role of chairman emeritus, and will serve as a mentor and offer counsel to the Holman board and executive team.

“This is both very exciting and a very natural progression for the Holman organization, which has grown significantly since the company was founded by my grandfather Steward Holman more than 90 years ago,” said Mindy Holman, the new chairman of the board. “This change in leadership will allow us to leverage our talent, resources and knowledge across all of our lines of business which in turn will allow us to become an even more flexible and dynamic organization.” She emphasized that the core principles upon which the business was founded — hiring and empowering the best, most talented individuals; providing exceptional customer service; and giving back to the communities that support Holman’s success — continue to guide the business and its leadership.

Ortell, the new chief executive officer, has been with the company for 29 years and has been president of ARI since 2010.

“I am tremendously honored to be asked to serve as CEO of Holman Automotive,” said Ortell. “Holman is comprised of four unique automotive businesses, all of which provide critical, industry-leading products and services but which also complement each other incredibly well. We also have the best people — professionals who are incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated to providing our clients with exceptional customer service. We are well positioned to draw upon our strengths in order to pursue new opportunities and continue to grow and expand. Our future will be about building a one-business mindset that serves consumers, businesses, governments and other entities in various markets, industries, countries and regions."

Bates, the new chief operating officer of Holman Automotive, has held many positions during his 26 years at the company, most recently are CFO for Holman and ARI.

In his new role as COO and CFO, he will work closely with Ortell and the executive team to capitalize on opportunities that bring the greatest value to the entire Holman organization, the company shared.

The following appointments have also been made within the Holman company:

  • Frank Cardile has been appointed to the newly created role of group vice president of Holman Automotive.
  • Anne Williams has also been appointed to the role of group vice president at Holman Automotive and will continue to serve as President of RMP Powertrain Solutions.
  • Bob White has been promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer of ARI.
  • Glenn Gardner has been promoted to chief operating officer of Holman’s retail operations.