AutoNation names 2 new COOs, including head of auctions & used-car stores
AutoNation named two new chief operating officers on Thursday: one for its used-car standalone store, auto auction and collision center businesses; and another for its franchise business.
COO and president Jim Bender was set to leave the company Friday, as previously announced.
Appointed as COO of the non-franchised business is Dave Koehler, currently the Eastern Region president. In this role, Koehler will head up the AutoNation USA used-car store program, AutoNation Auto Auctions and the AutoNation Collisions business.
Meanwhile, the COO for the franchised business will be Steve Kwak, currently the Western Region president. Kwak will head up new-car franchise dealership operations, OEM relations, customer financial services and after-sales operations.
Each of the COOs will report to chief executive officer Mike Manley. AutoNation plans to announce their regional replacements soon.
“Steve and Dave have nearly 60 years of combined automotive experience and both have been with AutoNation for over ten years. They are exceptional leaders whose expertise will continue to support the trajectory and the strategy of AutoNation,” Manley said in a news release.
“With the significant investment, growth plans, and success of AutoNation USA coupled with our opportunity to develop our collision and auction business it is now time to ensure these operating units have the highest level of leadership and focus,” he said.
Regarding Bender, Manley added: “We would like to thank Jim for the leadership and significant contribution he brought to AutoNation for the past 22 years.”