GAINESVILLE, Ga. -

Black Book announced on Monday its choice for the role of vice president of mobile solutions, tapping a former Manheim exec to fill the spot.

Taking on the position at Black Book is Mike Williams, who will be responsible for all of the company’s mobile products and services. The role includes developing new products, enhancing the functionality of existing ones and increasing mobile revenue streams, the company said.

“I am thrilled to have Mike join our senior management team,” said Tom Cross, president of Black Book. “He is universally recognized as one of the top technical people in the remarketing industry, and a leader in innovation and online strategies.

“Black Book has always been at the forefront of embracing new technologies within the automotive remarketing and finance world, especially mobile solutions, and Mike’s arrival will allow us to take our products and capabilities to the next level,” Cross said.  

Williams began his career in Tokyo, working with advanced computer modeling, simulations and artificial intelligence. He joined Manheim Pennsylvania in 2002 as director of technology. Williams also helped launch Simulcast and OVE, and was instrumental in their growth.

Williams said he intends to expand the range of digital tools available to auto buyers and sellers in the lanes.   

“I am excited about joining the Black Book team,” Williams said. “I’ve spent my last 10 years in the auto auction industry, so of course I’m very familiar with the organization. “When I first started out, I’d walk the lanes and see all of the dealers flipping through their Black Books to see what the cars were worth, but in recent years, I’ve seen more and more of them using their smartphones or other mobile devices.

“I’m looking forward to expanding the range of data and analytic tools that we can provide on current and next generation mobile devices,” Williams said, “making the decision making process easier for both buyers and sellers.”