KAR Global announced leadership changes at eight ADESA locations on Thursday.
New general managers now are in place at operations throughout the U.S., including:
— Michele Arguijo at ADESA Austin
— Amy Coley at ADESA Washington, D.C.
— Sheldon Jones at ADESA Little Rock
— Derek Kline at ADESA PA
— Sean O’Connell at ADESA Colorado Springs
— Lisa O’Neil at ADESA Atlanta
— Rod Thompson at ADESA Tampa
— Alfie White at ADESA Birmingham
“All of the new GMs are proven leaders who demonstrate industry-knowledge and customer obsession,” ADESA chief operating officer Srisu Subrahmanyam said in a news release. “We’re excited to have these new leaders in place at our vehicle logistics centers as we continue to evolve our digital-first approach, supported by our vast physical infrastructure.”
With ADESA Austin for more than 13 years, the company highlighted Arguijo has held various management positions across fleet and dealer sales, overseeing both departments in 2017.
With more than 25 years of industry experience, Arguijo began her career at a local mechanic shop as a service writer and bookkeeper, and then joined DriveTime where she was promoted to recon shop manager.
ADESA mentioned Coley has worked in the automotive industry for more than 16 years. Prior to working as the assistant GM at ADESA Washington, D.C., Coley got her start working in repairs — managing everything from collision repairs to full express repair centers.
“She brings a strong customer service background and digital focus,” the company said.
KAR noted that Jones brings more than 12 years of management experience to ADESA Little Rock ranging from the auto to financial industries.
“He is no stranger to the KAR Global family, as he managed three salvage auctions for the company prior to their spin-off,” the company said.
KAR indicated Kline has been with ADESA PA for almost four years and most recently held the commercial accounts manager position.
Prior to joining ADESA, Kline held various positions in the automotive industry with companies such Enterprise Rent-A-Car “where he quickly rose through several management roles with increasing responsibilities,” according to KAR.
With more than 25 years of auction and remarketing experience, KAR said O’Connell offers a veteran presence to ADESA Colorado Springs. The company said he was the assistant GM at the AutoNation auction in Atlanta for the last four years where “he refined his retail knowledge of the business.”
Prior to that, O’Connell served as the AFC branch manager in Atlanta.
KAR highlighted O’Neil has held numerous positions throughout her 18 years with ADESA. Most recently, she served as the GM of ADESA Tampa and prior to that, the assistant GM of ADESA Atlanta.
“She is known for her powerful client relationships and strong leadership skills, both of which foster a great customer experience,” KAR said.
Thompson possesses 25 years of experience in the automotive industry as he arrives at ADESA Tampa. A veteran in the industry, the company said he has done everything from owning a motorsports dealership to leading ADESA Tulsa.
Prior to his current position, Thompson spent the past few years as an executive sales director for KAR Global.
Part of the ADESA family for more than 32 years, White started in the detail shop and over time grew his experience and responsibilities — from manager of the fleet lease and commercial department to assistant general manager and operations manager of ADESA Birmingham in 2012.
After being with Black Book for the past nine years, Jared Kalfus now is president of the company that provides vehicle pricing, data and analytics.
Black Book made the announcement on Tuesday, elevating Kalfus to be president of the company, which includes Canadian Black Book, effective immediately.
The announcement was made through a news release by Tom Cross, whose promotion to president of Hearst Transportation was previously announced.
Kalfus was most recently executive vice president of revenue at Black Book. He joined the company in 2012 and previously held licensing and sales leadership positions, including senior vice president of sales.
“Jared has a strong history of leadership, industry experience, and growth,” Cross said in the news release. “I am proud to announce him as the person who will lead Black Book’s industry-leading data and analytics into the future.”
Kalfus has spent his 26-year career in the automotive industry at leading companies, including Cox Automotive, Manheim, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and CarsDirect.com.
“I am honored to be chosen to lead the company during such an innovative and exciting time in our industry,” Kalfus said. “Black Book has a rich, 66-year history of serving the automotive industry, and I am privileged to be entrusted with this iconic brand.
“Our employees are top notch, and our data and analytics are best-in-class. We are committed to adding even more value to our customers,” he went on to say.
Omnichannel auto logistics platform ACERTUS said Thursday it has hired a lead data scientist, naming Eric Hanson to the position.
In this role, Hanson will develop data-based insights and analytics to improve the finished vehicle supply chain process, along with mining and analyzing data for process, product and pricing optimization. He will also develop machine learning and predictive artificial intelligence algorithms for use in automation and for building personalized experiences.
“The breadth of data at ACERTUS has immense potential to generate efficiencies throughout the finished vehicle supply chain,” Hanson said in a news release. “Our goal is to unlock this potential through data science and make data a core driver of operations to optimize and enhance the ACERTUS experience. I look forward to building and leading a team of data scientists to support the organization in this effort.”
Hanson’s background includes time with Brownells and Texas Christian University. At TCU, where he was a faculty member, Hanson helped design the university’s Data Science Degree, taught graduate and undergraduate courses and conducted research on mathematics and machine learning.
“ACERTUS continues to invest in data science to advance our mission of turning once complicated automotive logistics into a competitive advantage for all of our partners,” ACERTUS chief executive officer Trent Broberg said in the news release. “Eric’s expertise will be instrumental in driving our ongoing efforts to develop and implement data-driven solutions and strengthen our position as a tech-enabled automotive logistics platform.”
Chief digital officer Blair Koch added: “With his knowledge of data science principles and algorithms and experience in multiple data science applications and coding languages, Eric will not only add a new level of expertise to this growing practice but will also ensure we take a data-driven approach to product optimization.
“Today, ACERTUS technology promises improved efficiency, greater transparency and convenience. Tomorrow, it will meet the growing needs and expectations of customers and create an industry breakthrough as the only marketplace to connect shippers, carriers, drivers, title and registration processers, storage facilities and compliance experts.”
CarGurus named its new chief technology officer on Thursday, hiring Matt Quinn for the role.
Quinn joins CarGurus from Alignable, where he was vice president of engineering for the small business referral network.
In his new post, Quinn will head up CarGurus’ engineering team and lead growth in the company’s technology platform and its aims to develop an end-to-end automotive transaction platform.
He will report to chief executive officer Jason Trevisan.
“I am thrilled to welcome Matt to CarGurus,” Trevisan said. “As CarGurus seeks to give people the power to reach their destination, he will play a key role as we continue to build out our digital retail capabilities to meet the demand from consumers to do more of the vehicle buying and selling process online.
“Additionally, his impressive background leading and scaling engineering teams while tying their initiatives back to business objectives will be incredibly valuable.”
Quinn’s background includes more than 25 years in consumer web and software companies, include such tech companies as Vistaprint, Amazon and Audible.
“CarGurus is a technology-driven company with an engineering team that exemplifies the company’s core values around moving fast and doing so with integrity,” Quinn said. “I am eager to join such an impressive group and continue to build out the automotive digital commerce opportunity that lies ahead for the company.”
TrueCar has hired a new senior vice president of product, naming Rich DiStefano to the position.
His experience includes time heading up social commerce at Walmart; mobile and omni-channel product strategy at Hilton Hotel; and mobile commerce at Ticketmaster and Live Nation, where he led the development of mobile ticketing.
DiStefano’s experience also includes time at Match.com, where he led the company into mobile dating, and with the team that developed Monster energy drinks.
At TrueCar, he will report to president and chief executive officer Mike Darrow and lead the product strategy for the company.
“With his extensive experience developing innovative consumer-driven products for Fortune 500 companies, we are truly excited to have Rich join the TrueCar team,” Darrow said in a news release.
“Rich will be a huge asset to our team as TrueCar continues to work toward delivering TrueCar+, a modern, two-sided marketplace that brings the car buying experience fully online.”
DiStefano added: “As a lifelong car enthusiast, I'm thrilled to join the talented team at TrueCar to help reinvent how consumers find and buy cars online. Buying a car is the second largest purchase a person makes. We have a unique opportunity to develop new and innovative ways to personalize the journey, remove friction and elevate the experience.”
America’s Auto Auction has named a new assistant general manager for its Virginia Beach, Va., location, hiring Derek Simmerman to the position at America’s Auto Auction Virginia.
Simmerman has spent the last seven years in the independent auto auction community, where his background includes fleet/lease management, customer service and marketing. He came over to America’s Auto Auction from Greensboro Auto Auction in North Carolina.
“We are delighted to welcome Derek to America’s Auto Auction Virginia,” said Jerry Daisey, the auction’s general manager, in a news release.
“I’ve known him for a number of years and had the opportunity to work with him in South Carolina,” Daisey said. “I have always been impressed with his work ethic and his genuine regard for his customers. I knew he would be a perfect fit for the America’s Auto Auction team here in Virginia Beach.”
Simmerman added: “The auction industry has really grown on me, and I quickly grew to love what I do. This business is about relationships, about giving your word and standing behind it. There’s so much potential here at America’s Auto Auction Virginia, and I’m looking forward to devoting myself to its customers and contributing to its continued success.”
On Tuesday, UVeye named a new vice president for North American sales who previously held executive roles at KAR Global, BacklotCars and Cox Automotive.
Taking on this role for the supplier of automated vehicle inspection systems is Jamie Anderson, who will be based in Charlotte, N.C.
Prior to joining UVeye, Anderson was vice president for dealer sales at KAR. He previously had served as a divisional sales director at BacklotCars and a portfolio sales manager at Cox Automotive.
“The extensive automotive dealership and fleet sales experience that Jamie Anderson brings to UVeye from Cox, BacklotCars and KAR Global will help further accelerate the rapid growth we’re experiencing in North America,” UVeye co-founder and chief executive officer Amir Hever said in a news release. “His ability to develop award-winning sales teams is sure to benefit UVeye in the months and years ahead as well.”
Hever added that UVeye will have a significant number of new job openings in the U.S. during the next 12 to 18 months due to strong interest in UVeye’s inspection systems among dealers, auctions and major fleet operators.
Founded in 2016, UVeye offers automated vehicle-inspection systems. UVeye explained that its systems utilize a unique combination of proprietary algorithms, cloud architecture, artificial intelligence, machine learning and sensor fusion technologies.
The company said its drive-through systems can detect any external or mechanical flaw and identify anomalies, modifications or foreign objects from under and from any side of a vehicle.
UVeye currently has facilities in North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region, including offices in Israel, Japan, Germany and the United States. CarMax recently joined a group of UVeye investors that currently includes Volvo Cars, Hyundai Motors and Toyota Tsusho.
Additional information is available at www.uveye.com.
Haig Partners LLC has named a director of marketing and business development, hiring Aimee (LaBrake) Allen for the position.
Allen had previously been an independent consultant for firms providing car dealers with accounting, banking, business valuation and succession planning services.
Her background includes team heading up marketing and growth for DHG Dealerships.
“We pride ourselves on the experience and dedication to auto retail we bring to our clients and the industry as a whole,” Haig Partners president Alan Haig said in a news release.
“Aimee has built a reputation for being a trusted advisor to professional service firms who work with dealers,” Haig said. “Her unmatched expertise in marketing and business development in our industry will enhance our ability to maximize value for our clients.”
Allen added: “I am beyond excited to join the team at Haig Partners. I’ve spent most of my career in automotive retail and professional services and I am honored to be a part of such a well-respected team of professionals. I look forward to helping Haig Partners continue to build on their reputation of being the leading buy sell advisor to automotive retailers.”
Holman Enterprises shifted the responsibilities of three executives, as the company that already has 41 dealership franchises representing 20 brands as well as fleet leasing and management company ARI in its portfolio launches a new segment focused on the commercial space.
According to a news release distributed on Thursday, Holman executive vice president and chief commercial officer Rick Tousaw now will lead the newly created Holman Commercial Team.
The company said the Holman Commercial Team is comprised of four fundamental areas — market development, product and service development, customer experience and marketing — and will support the company’s strategic vision for sustained growth in an effort to strengthen Holman’s position as a leader in the automotive industry.
“Operating in support of all the Holman businesses, this newly established team will focus on driving key commercial initiatives forward, ensuring we continue to align our organization with what truly matters to our customers, and fueling our shared success for many years to come,” Tousaw said in the news release.
“The Holman Commercial Team is poised to play a vital role in our company’s mission to provide the industry’s best automotive-related services and exceed our customer’s expectations each and every day,” he continued.
In support of this team’s mission, company veteran Joe Foster has been named vice president of market development and will now oversee Holman’s market development and product and service development teams.
Under Foster’s guidance, the company said these teams will further optimize Holman’s existing products and services while also developing new automotive solutions that align with the ever-evolving needs of the company’s customers.
The company also mentioned Foster and his team are also tasked with ensuring Holman continues to leverage and maximize the natural synergies of the organization’s various automotive service divisions.
Additionally, Emily Graham has been promoted to director of sustainability.
In her new role, Holman explained that Graham will spearhead company’s ongoing sustainability programs and look to accelerate its various electrification as a service initiatives.
As this segment of the industry rapidly matures and becomes increasingly important for Holman’s customers, the company said Graham will lead the organization’s efforts to enhance its electrification and alternative fuel solutions with a particular focus on bringing innovative new strategies to the market.
“We are extremely excited to elevate Joe and Emily to these tremendously important new roles within the Holman Commercial Team,” Tousaw said. “Their keen business acumen and profound understanding of the needs of our customers will be invaluable as we strive to foster an environment of truly seamless collaboration across our entire organization to deliver the holistic automotive strategies and thoughtful customer experience that have long been hallmarks of the Holman family of businesses.
For additional information about Holman Enterprises, visit HolmanEnterprises.com.
TrueCar has added a new director to its board, announcing the election of Match Group chief strategy officer Faye Iosotaluno on Thursday.
Iosotaluno has held that role at Match since February 2020, previously serving as senior vice president for new business initiatives.
Her background also includes time with SoundCloud where she was vice president for strategy and business development.
In her role on the TrueCar board, Iosotaluno will serve on the audit committee.
“We are excited for Faye to join TrueCar’s board of directors and look forward to her insights and contributions,” TrueCar president and chief executive officer Mike Darrow said.
“With her depth of expertise across digital platforms, and specifically technology and media companies, she will be a tremendous asset to our existing board as TrueCar continues to work toward delivering a modern, two-sided marketplace that brings the car buying experience online,” Darrow said.
