As new chief information officer for auto dealer enterprise dealer management system company DealerBuilt, Jonathan Burr will be responsible for developing and executing the company’s overall enterprise-wide IT strategy.
DealerBuilt describes itself as a high-growth technology company for dealers, and Burr will help with its IT strategy by using his technical expertise that spans across architectures, web development, analytical systems, and enterprise systems.
He has done that work at major corporations such as Cision, Ford Motor Co., General Motors, ADP/CDK, HP, AT&T, Sprint, Boeing, Accenture, and Proctor & Gamble.
Burr developed a love for the automotive industry growing up. He learned to repair vehicles on the farm, and he continues to work as a part-time motorcycle mechanic.
Over the past 20 years, he has worked as a senior executive with what DealerBuilt describes as a delivery track record of programs, projects, and operations management.
“DealerBuilt continues to grow and differentiate itself in the marketplace with solutions for dealers that stand out from others, and I am very excited to add someone with such a strong background as Jon to our team,” DealerBuilt/LightYear Dealer Technologies LLC chief executive officer Mike Trasatti said in a news release.
Trasatti continued, “His unique experience will enable us to continue to grow and innovate our technology to better serve the dealer community. His background consulting with other DMS vendors and OEMs in the automotive industry, as well as his success with similar systems in advanced industries beyond automotive, will greatly benefit our organization and our dealers.”
He added, “We have many exciting new developments Jon is working on that our dealers can look forward to in 2020 and beyond.”
Burr said he joined DealerBuilt because it is a stable, fast-growing company “that offers dealers something different from the other offerings out there.”
“I feel there is a huge opportunity as in the past, dealers had few options and it has been difficult for them to gain the system flexibility they need to expand,” Burr said.
He added, “DealerBuilt is the best example of providing dealers with the most options and flexibility. It is the solution that allows dealers to execute their vision for how their dealership should run. I am excited to be part of a team that works so closely with dealers to freely enable them to work with their data and other third parties, and to integrate seamlessly with any needed interfaces.”
Burr continued, “We make great efforts to help our dealers excel in the marketplace, and we are building new capabilities that drive value.”
Auto data platform company Dealer-FX chief executive officer and founder Gary Kalk will become executive chairman of the board of directors for the company.
The company also announced on Tuesday that it named chief operating officer Bill Lucchini chief executive officer.
Dealer-FX, which performs digital transformation and customer experience management for automotive retailers and OEMs, said the announcements come after a strong 2019 in which the business secured new OEM partnerships with companies such as Kia Motors America, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp, Mitsubishi Motors of North America, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Caribbean, Nissan Canada and Volkswagen Group Canada.
“As a business founder and entrepreneur, your role is always evolving, and becoming chairman is just the latest step on this journey,” Kalk said in a news release.
He continued, “Dealer-FX is at a natural inflection point in its growth, where it makes sense to bring in new leadership. When Bill joined as COO, the intent was that he would take over as CEO, and I’m happy to see this transition come at a time when Dealer-FX is really poised to accelerate growth in its next chapter.”
Lucchini said that since joining the company in July, he has seen the benefit that the platform brings to OEMs and dealers.
“With the continued support of Gary and HGGC, we are poised to broaden that impact, accelerate growth and increase profitability.” Lucchini said.
Lucchini brings more than 10 years of senior executive experience. He previously served as senior vice president and general manager at global cybersecurity firm Sophos.
At that company, he led the transformation to a cloud-centric security company with the creation of Sophos Central, which Dealer-FX said was “the fastest growing business in the company’s history.”
Lucchini was also chief operating officer at OnForce, a marketplace for IT talent. In addition, he was vice president at Intuit, leading various businesses such as the QuickBooks Mid-Market Division, QuickBase, and the Intuit Partner Platform.
Dealer-FX listed additional highlights of 2019, including service appointments increasing by 64% and completed inspections up 153% over the previous year. The company says it achieved “numerous new product innovations” and produced Dealer Messenger, which is a new collaboration system for dealers and their customers.
Also in 2019, the company says it enhanced integrations with DMS vendors for parts information. The company said it also launched a new regional service model to provide local experts who support dealers “with the advice and help to drive increased retention and profits.”
“The board and I want to thank Gary for the tremendous job he has done in creating Dealer-FX, building it into a leader, and quadrupling revenues over the past 3.5 years,” said HGGC president and co-founder Steve Young, who is a member of the board of directors at Dealer-FX.
He continued, “Bill brings a wealth of experience and an extraordinary talent for leading high-growth technology businesses, and we could not be more excited to have him step into the CEO role. We’re confident that Bill is the right person to build on the company’s success and bring new energy and ideas as Dealer-FX continues its progress, and we’re very happy to have both Gary and Bill on the team as we enter into 2020.”
Following the retirement of Van Koppersmith, president and founder of ACS, now Dominion DMS, Dominion Dealer Solutions has promoted Sharon Kitzman to president of Dominion DMS.
As president, Kitzman will be responsible for launching Dominion’s new DMS product, VUE, which Dominion Dealer Solutions president Dan Sykes says could have a “transformational impact” on the company’s dealer partners.
Dominion Dealer Solutions, an automotive dealership software and services company, described Kitzman as “highly regarded in the automotive and technology communities.”
According to the company, Kitzman has worked as an executive and consultant to automotive technology companies. For those businesses, she worked to execute growth strategies, M&A transactions and leadership development.
Kitzman led the Americas region for Infomedia, and prior to that she was vice president and general manager of Dealertrack DMS at Dealertrack Technologies for 10 years.
Previously, Kitzman was senior director, marketing and product, with Reynolds and Reynolds in the United States.
As president of Dominion DMS, she will report to Sykes.
The company said Kitzman is working with dealers to improve Dominion DMS services, and she is developing its team to prepare for planned business growth.
Dominion Dealer Solutions also said Kitzman’s experience in automotive software and understanding of the “dealership ecosystem” will help her guide Dominion’s dealership customers who are embracing “digital transformation to navigate the competitive challenges ahead.”
“Sharon’s appointment underscores Dominion’s commitment to VUE, and the transformational impact we believe it will have on our Dealer partners,” Sykes said.
He continued, “Her relationships, experience and knowledge of the automotive landscape provide an excellent foundation for Dominion to advance our position in the DMS Market. We are also grateful for the years of leadership and innovation that Van Koppersmith has provided at Dominion. We wish him the best in his retirement.”
“I am excited to be back in the DMS space, especially on the cusp of a new product launch,” Kitzman said.
She continued, “Dominion VUE offers a transformative opportunity for dealers to embrace cloud-based technology, leap-frogging multiple generations of old technology to fast track their operations. This is the right time, and the right team.”
Group 1 Automotive said on Thursday that its president of U.S. operations Daryl Kenningham will also assume responsibility for the company’s Brazilian automotive operations.
Group 1 president and chief executive officer Earl Hesterberg said in a news release that Kenningham has served an instrumental role in driving the company’s U.S. performance.
“And extending his role to oversee the company's Brazilian operations further accelerates the integration of best practices between these two markets,” said Hesterberg, who previously oversaw the company’s Brazilian management team.
Throughout the states of São Paulo and Paraná in Brazil, Group 1 operates 17 dealerships representing the Honda, Toyota, BMW/MINI and Jaguar/Land Rover brands.
With the new title of president, U.S. and Brazilian operations, Kenningham will continue to report to Hesterberg. Kenningham’s new role will take place effective Friday.
Kenningham joined Group 1 in 2011.
He held various executive positions at Nissan Motor Corp. U.S.A. and The Friedkin Companies over the previous 23 years.
Hesterberg said, “We have great brands and a very professional management team in Brazil, and I strongly believe that they will benefit from Daryl’s experience and leadership."
In his new role as general manager of DealerFire, DealerSocket’s digital business unit, Max Steckler will lead the unit and be responsible for strategy, product direction, go-to-market execution, operations and P&L management.
DealerSocket said Steckler’s SaaS technology and vertical domain expertise are in automotive retail websites, digital advertising and marketing, agency services and digital retailing.
The company said Steckler has developed strong relationships with OEMs, dealership groups and automotive industry leaders throughout his career.
Steckler was most recently chief product officer at AutoChoice, which is a start-up that worked to “redefine the digital retailing experience,” according to DealerSocket.
Prior to that position, Steckler’s leadership roles were in the areas of product management, business development and operations.
DealerSocket president and chief executive officer Sejal Pietrzak said in a news release that Steckler “brings a wealth of knowledge, relationships, new ideas, and insights that will drive even greater growth for our DealerFire business unit.”
Pietrzak continued, “More importantly, his relentless focus on innovation and connecting the industry will grow sales, maximize profit and achieve increased efficiency in our (customers') evolving operations.”
“I’m excited to join DealerSocket because of our shared commitment to innovation and superior customer service for dealers, OEMs and our industry partners,” Steckler said. “I’m looking forward to leading DealerFire’s truly outstanding team.”
Brian Danahy started working with Ed Morse Automotive Group at the age of 14, starting out in the parts department.
Over the next 30-plus years, he worked in almost every area of the dealerships, including paint, service, collision, sales, and management. In 2011, he became general manager of Ed Morse Cadillac Tampa, and since then, that dealership has been named Dealer of the Year three times.
On Friday, the auto group announced that it named Danahy general manager of three of its dealerships.
He will serve as general manager for Ed Morse Brandon Cadillac, Brandon Auto Mall Fiat by Ed Morse and Brandon Auto Mall Alfa Romeo by Ed Morse. He will remain as general manager of Ed Morse Cadillac Tampa.
As new GM of the three Brandon dealerships, Danahy will oversee the dealerships’ operations, including sales, service, new and used cars, employees and customer service.
“I’m honored to take on this increased role and bring my focus on building on our family atmosphere to impress both our employees and customers,” Danahy said in a news release.
He added, “I want our customer experience to be second to none and our employees to really enjoy what they do. These locations are already world-class dealerships and still we will work hard every day to strive to be even better.”
“Brian has been an asset for our organization for decades and we are pleased that he will expand his leadership role with these new GM positions, said Ed Morse Automotive Group chairman and chief executive officer Teddy Morse. “He will continue our tradition of providing an incredible experience for our customers and employees.”
Mitsubishi Motors North America has appointed former AutoNation vice president, parts operations Scott Smith as vice president of aftersales.
Smith brings more than 30 years of automotive experience to the role.
Mitsubishi said Smith offers what it describes as “a rare portfolio of experience” on the manufacturer and dealer sides of the business.
On the dealer side for AutoNation, he spent three years overseeing parts and accessory development and distribution for the company’s more than 360 nationwide retail outlets. He was also with Apple Auto Group for two years, and he oversaw all parts and service operations for that company’s five manufacturer brands.
On the manufacturer side, he served in various roles for Ford Motor Co. for more than 21 years, working in parts, service and sales; warranty; product marketing; customer relationship management; and dealer operations.
In his new role for MMNA, Smith will oversee U.S. parts and service operations, along with all areas of parts export logistics for Latin America. He will lead development and implementation strategies and programs that allow Mitsubishi and its dealers to work toward strong customer satisfaction for the brand’s service and parts customers.
Smith will report to MMNA president and chief executive officer Fred Diaz, and he will serve on the company’s executive committee.
“Scott brings an enviable blend of manufacturer ‘big picture’ understanding and dealer-side ‘get it done’ hands-on skill,” Diaz said in a news release.
Diaz continued, “Mitsubishi Motors North America is on the cusp of a reinvention of every aspect of our business in and across the U.S., and I know that Scott’s leadership of our critical parts and service operations will take our organization to the next level. We’re excited to have him join the team, and expect to see his passion and experience have an immediate impact on the way we service our dealer partners and satisfy our customers.”
Saying the move places it in a stronger position for future digital retailing, connected vehicles and mobility opportunities, auto company JM Family has named Chad Couch as its new chief information officer.
Leading JM Family’s technology and innovation strategy, Couch will work to identify new and emerging tech tools and services to support future growth. At the same time, his duties will include positioning the company to more quickly and efficiently deliver on its initiatives.
Couch’s 24 years of experience includes work in areas such as strategy, technology transformation, product development and consumer technology consumption. Most recently, he was global chief information officer at Brightstar, a global telecommunications industry wireless distributor and services company.
JM Family president and chief executive officer Brent Burns described the current period as “an exciting time for JM Family.”
“The shifting seen throughout the automotive industry puts our business on the threshold of greater opportunity and progress, and with that comes new initiatives and capabilities,” Burns said in a news release. “This will help drive the next strategic IT steps needed to implement cutting-edge technology, which enables us to exceed the expectations of our business partners and customers.”
Steven Starks has been with Larry H. Miller Group of Companies since 2007, but since 2015 for the company, he has been president of the NBA’s Utah Jazz and LHM Sports & Entertainment, which are part of the overall company.
Also in his role as president, his responsibilities included oversight of the Salt Lake City Stars in the NBA G League and the Salt Lake Bees, which is the minor league baseball Triple-A affiliate of the Anaheim Angels.
On Wednesday, the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies named Starks as chief executive officer and an executive member of the board, a move that is effective on Monday.
Dean Fitzpatrick, who has been with the Larry H. Miller Group for 31 years, will continue as president of Larry H. Miller Dealerships.
More background on Starks
Starks, who in his previous position was also responsible for the Vivint Smart Home Arena, Megaplex Theatres, the Tour of Utah professional cycling race, and The Zone Sports Network, will remain actively involved with Jazz basketball operations. He will also continue to serve as an alternate member of the NBA Board of Governors.
The naming of Starks to the chief executive officer and executive board member positions follows a national and internal search.
Larry H. Miller Group of Companies chairman and owner Gail Miller said Starks had a strong understanding of the company’s “40-year heritage, values and culture.”
“For more than a decade, he has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities as the head of several of our diverse businesses, leading operations and commercial functions, and prioritizing the customer experience and talent development,” Miller said in a news release. “Steve will be responsible for the overall design and execution of our long- and short-term business strategies and has articulated a strong vision to ensure we continue to be the best place in town to work and to do business.”
His various roles since joining the organization in 2007 including serving as executive vice president of LHM Management Corp. In that post, he oversaw Total Care Auto Powered by Landcar and Saxton Horne Communications. He also developed a merger and acquisition strategy for LHM Dealerships and the company.
Before coming to LHM Group, Starks worked for Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. In that position, he helped manage Huntsman’s transition team. He also oversaw The Utah Policy Partnership, working to improve efficiencies within state government.
Starks is also a Silicon Slopes board member. Recently, he completed his term as 2018 chair of the Salt Lake Chamber Board of Governors, served on the board of trustees at Weber State University (WSU) from 2007 to 2017, and was a trustee for The Road Home from 2013 to 2014.
Utah Business Magazine has recognized him as one of the top Forty Under 40, and Sports Business Journal named him one of the top Forty Under 40 Sports Executives.
“I believe in the LHM mission to enrich lives and I am humbled and honored to be entrusted with this new responsibility,” Starks said. “I have a strong appreciation for the talented team behind our everyday successes, and I enjoy the diversity of our portfolio and industries. I look forward to working closely with Gail, the Board of Directors and the Miller family to ensure we operate consistently with our guiding principles, and lead with the future in mind.”
Don Stirling, an executive vice president of LHM Sports and Entertainment, will serve as interim president for that company and the Utah Jazz business operations until the position is filled.
Haig Partners describes John Davis as “a fixture in the professional dealership services sector for over 35 years.”
Now Davis, who is a former partner with DHG Dealerships, is joining Haig Partners as managing director.
Davis, who joined Haig Partners effective June 1, has served in various leadership positions at DHG.
Haig Partners said in a news release that Davis has spent a great deal of his professional career in the buy-sell space and that he has advised on some of the largest transactions in the industry.
The company also said that for several years, Davis chaired the AICPA Automotive Conference’s Steering Committee.
Over the next few years, he will continue to serve as partner emeritus for DHG and will act in an executive client service capacity for the company. He will pursue business development opportunities, and within the firm, he will assist on special projects.
Davis said he was excited to join the team at Haig, which is a boutique investment banking and brokerage firm that specializes in buy-sell advisory work for high-value automotive dealerships and dealership groups.
“Having worked closely with their organization and their team members for many years, I know the culture and professionalism that Haig Partners represents, and this is exactly where I want to continue serving the automotive industry,” Davis said.
“We are thrilled to add someone of John's caliber to our already accomplished team of professionals,” Haig Partners managing partner Alan Haig said. “John has deep relationships with so many dealers across the country, and he has extensive experience in the buy-sell industry. He is a perfect fit with our organization.”
