Automotive M&A advisory Dave Cantin Group has named a former Asbury Automotive Group senior executive and business partner to baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron as its senior vice president of strategic initiatives.

Hired for the role is Sid Barron, who spent more than a decade at Asbury, where he served as vice president of manufacturer relations and VP of corporate development and real estate. Barron helped execute Asbury’s acquisitions of the Larry H. Miller Dealerships, Stevinson Automotive and Jim Koons Automotive Companies.

In the new role with DCG, Barron will lead OEM relations, co-lead the firm’s athlete investment services and collaborate with company advisors in helping dealers pursue acquisitions, divestitures, platform management, succession planning and other business strategies.

Barron was also previously the business partner in Aaron’s dealership operations.

“What drew me to DCG was the opportunity to work with dealers well before they decide to buy or sell,” Barron said in a news release.

“Those conversations can be about improving the business, planning for the future, or finding new ways to grow,” he said. “Having been a dealer myself, I know how valuable it is to have someone who understands automotive retail and what it means to you.”

DCG partner and president Brian Gordon said, “Dave Cantin Group continues to invest in people and resources that bring value to dealership owners in a rapidly changing and increasingly challenging business environment.

“Sid brings unique perspective as an operator, as an owner and as a public-company executive. His experience gives him a detailed understanding of these businesses and what it takes to protect their value while pursuing growth or an exit. Sid’s depth and breadth in all aspects of automotive retail will be invaluable to our clients and our advisors working alongside them.”

DCG founder and CEO Dave Cantin said: “Advisory businesses are built on trust that comes from experience, reputation, and success. Sid’s 40 years in the retail automotive industry embody these ideals, making him an incredible addition to the DCG team and our clients.”