In another big move by the rental car giant this month, Hertz named a chief information officer on Thursday.
Hired as executive vice president and CIO is Tim Langley-Hawthorne, whose most recent post was as CIO of Hitachi Vantara, a subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd.
Langley-Hawthorne was with Western Union prior to Hitachi, serving in several executive technology and operational roles.
His background also includes 20 years in IT, consulting and commercial positions at Information Services Group, Electronic Data Systems and IBM Australia.
“As we create the new Hertz, we’re investing in the technology that will enable a best-in-class, digital-first customer experience,” Hertz interim chief executive officer Mark Fields said in a news release.
“Tim’s proven track record of creating strong customer satisfaction and business value through technology make him the ideal leader to bring Hertz’s IT infrastructure up to world-class standards and support our efforts to lead the future of mobility and travel,” Fields said.
Langley-Hawthorne added: “I’m honored to join Hertz at this incredibly exciting time in the company’s history. I’m looking forward to leading transformative global IT initiatives and innovations that will support Hertz’s strategic vision and add value for customers and employees.”
Fields, former president and CEO of Ford Motor Co., was named interim CEO of Hertz earlier this month.
Paul Stone, previously the CEO, moved to the role of president and chief operations officer for the rental-car company.
Hertz announced on Monday that it has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) relating to a proposed public offering of its common stock.
Hertz’s common stock currently trades on the over-the-counter market under the symbol HTZZ. Hertz said that it intends to apply to list its common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol HTZ in connection with the offering.
Black Widow, an automated imaging company in the automotive industry, announced a new chief operating officer Tuesday.
Hired for the position is Darren Kemper, who was most recently the director of business analytics at ADESA.
Kemper has more than 20 years of IT software engineering and organizational experience. He will take on the day-to-day operations of the company and report to Black Widow chief executive officer Jason Hauk.
“Darren’s exceptional organizational skills, adept knowledge of the technology that drives our business and his balanced demeanor makes him the perfect person to position Black Widow where it needs to be to meet today’s client technology and exceptional service requirements,” Hauk said in a news release.
Kemper added: “I am thrilled about working with such a talented team at a time when the demand for Black Widow services is at an all-time high. Technology never sleeps and neither do the demands of the marketplace or our customers. Black Widow has already changed our space.
“Now we are at the place in our company’s journey where our operational efficiency, human resources and technological infrastructure needs to scale to lead the imaging arena so that clients can exceed their customer expectation,” he said.
Last week, NuVinAir Global filled the newly created corporate leadership position of franchise development officer.
Taking on the role for the company — which offers a suite of patented and proprietary products aimed at safely and effectively creating healthy vehicle interiors — is Marty Schoenthaler.
In his new role, NuVinAir said Schoenthaler will be responsible for identifying growth strategies for increasing national franchise coverage, as well as enhancing and maturing growth of NuVinAir Global’s existing franchise network.
Reporting to chief executive officer and founder Kyle Bailey, Schoenthaler will be based in Oklahoma.
“As we rapidly expand our brand, adding passionate, seasoned industry veterans to our leadership team will help take our company to the next level,” Bailey said in a news release. “We have been looking to fill this critical role for some time, but we had to be patient until we found the right individual. The caliber of our franchisee team demanded an executive who deeply understands how to forge the right partnerships for driving success, and we know that Marty will be a tremendous asset to all of us.”
With more than three decades of leadership experience in various industries, NuVinAir said Schoenthaler brings a proven track record in optimizing organizational capability, strategy development, and business transformation, as well as focusing on customer relationships.
Schoenthaler joins NuVinAir from Tate Boys Tire & Service, one of the the largest independent tire dealers in northeast Oklahoma, where he served as CEO.
Schoenthaler started his career at IBM where he worked for 16 years.
“Throughout my career and across various industries, I focused on developing organizational strategies and working with our teams to effectively deliver on those strategies,” Schoenthaler said. “Joining NuVinAir’s leadership team enables me to work alongside fellow passionate, entrepreneurial individuals, while growing an industry-leading innovator that’s dominating the automotive space with its patented technology and proprietary products.”
AutoLeadStar, a connected automation platform design to speed up growth for auto dealers, has named a new vice president of sales.
Chosen for the position is Mike Colacchio, who comes over from Dealer Inspire.
His background also includes time with Dealer.com, Dealertrack and Cox Automotive.
At AutoLeadStar, Colacchio will be responsibile for builing out a sales team, and introucing new AI solutions, as well a extablishing and expediting new partnerships with both dealer groups and technology providers.
“Mike was a natural fit for our company as the vice president of sales due to his unwavering support for putting the dealer first. He understands that decisions for big ticket items like vehicles will increasingly be decided online by consumers before they even step foot in the showroom,” AutoLeadStar chief executive officer Aharon Horwitz said in a news release. “His deep understanding of automotive technology, coupled with his strong dealer and partner relationships, will be instrumental as we introduce new and exciting solutions in the automated marketing space next year.”
While at Dealer Inspire, Colacchio grew the sales organization from three people to 28, representing three different teams while also increasing the client base by 500%.
“Dealerships need to be ready to answer the growing omnichannel experience push with individualized solutions that offer speed and accuracy,” Colacchio said. “At a time when, as an industry, we’re tackling everything from waning inventory to the threat of being closed down, AutoLeadStar is providing forward-thinking tools dealers can use to bolster their marketing and get to the customer first. It’s an exciting time for automotive tech.”
Former Ford Motor Co. president and chief executive officer Mark Fields is now the interim CEO at Hertz.
Paul Stone, previously the CEO, is now the president and chief operations officer for the rental-car company.
In Tuesday’s news release, Hertz said the leadership change is “part of a vision for an all-new Hertz that combines the iconic company's brand strength and global fleet management expertise with new technology and innovations charting a dynamic, new course for travel, mobility and the auto industry.”
Fields joined Hertz’s board in June.
“It's an incredibly exciting time for Hertz, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have Mark's leadership, first as a board director and now as interim CEO,” Hertz chairman Greg O'Hara said in the release.
“Mark’s extensive background in auto and technology will be critical as we remake Hertz for the future,” O’Hara said. “We are building from a renewed position of strength to reimagine the future, and Mark’s continued leadership on the Board and stepping in for the moment as interim CEO are important next steps to take us there.”
Hertz announced this summer that it successfully completed its Chapter 11 restructuring process and emerged as a “financially and operationally stronger company that is well-positioned for the future.” It appointed a new eight-member board. Hertz’s reorganization plan was confirmed by the federal bankruptcy court on June 10.
Fields spent 28 years with Ford, including three years as president and CEO.
“Hertz is a global icon, and I'm honored to help lead the company into its next 100 years,” Fields said in the release. “Hertz’s unmatched global footprint will be combined with forward-looking investments that completely change the face of travel and mobility. The world is going to be hearing a lot from Hertz in the weeks and months ahead.”
Stone had been Hertz’s CEO since May 2020, following his time as Hertz’s executive vice president and chief retail operations officer for North America.
“The Hertz board is deeply grateful to Paul for his service to the company during the restructuring process,” O’Hara said. “We were delighted that Paul decided to continue working with Hertz in a senior leadership role.”
The newest addition at Cherokee Media Group knows first-hand how complex and fast-paced the used-vehicle industry is. Dana Nusbaum previously worked at IAA’s facility in Wilmington, N.C., performing every job function from title work to writing condition reports to even climbing aboard a forklift to move salvage vehicles.
Now Nusbaum is an account executive with Cherokee Media Group, leveraging her knowledge and experience to help clients gain the most from their investment in the company’s online, print and live-event offerings.
“Dana brings a unique and valuable professional background to our team,” Cherokee Media Group president Bill Zadeits said. “Having worked in the used-car and remarketing industry, we’re excited to have Dana add her talents to develop and maintain industry relationships, as we continue our company mission of achieving excellence in providing value to our audiences and our customers through the industry’s best media, events and trusted business intelligence.”
Nusbaum began her industry career as part of a five-person team at IAA Wilmington when it was part of KAR Global.
“It was a great introduction to the industry and a solid foundation to grow my industry acumen,” she said.
Then, after more than six-and-a-half years, the company shifted Nusbaum to ADESA Raleigh as part of a promotion to the sales team, broadening her education in how franchised dealerships and multi-lane auctions all function during a tenure that lasted more than four years.
Now Nusbaum is part of Cherokee Media Group’s sales efforts, working with Zadeits and publishers Jessica Johnson and Steve Leslie to help clients target their marketing messages and other promotional campaigns.
“I can help my customers because I’ve visited franchised dealers, independents, lenders and BHPH lots for 12 years, listening to their struggles and trying to help them grow and succeed in this evolving industry,” Nusbaum said. “I’m attuned to the inner workings of the automotive industry and hope to leverage my talents and insight to help Cherokee Media Group customers thrive.”
Nusbaum will be part of the Cherokee Media Group contingent on hand for Used Car Week, which begins on Nov. 15 at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas. You can save as much as $600 on registration by taking advantage of early-bird discounts available through Oct. 18.
The conference agenda and the path to register can be found at www.usedcarweek.biz.
AutoNation will have a new chief executive officer on Nov. 1.
Mike Manley, who is head of Americas for Stellantis, will take over for Mike Jackson, who is retiring from his post as AutoNation CEO and board member.
Manley will also become an AutoNation board member.
“I am excited to join AutoNation and the executive team. AutoNation has set the benchmark for automotive retail excellence,” Manley said in a news release.
“It has accomplished a number of industry-first milestones, including being the only automotive retailer to sell over 13 million vehicles,” he said. “Most recently, the company has shown its focus and determination by producing five consecutive record-breaking quarters, during an unprecedented time.”
Prior to the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group in January that resulted in Stellantis, Manley had been the CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. since July 2018.
He joined what was then DaimlerChrysler in 2000 as director of network development for the U.K., before advancing into other leadership roles.
Jackson, meanwhile, became AutoNation’s chief executive in 1999.
“It has been a remarkable honor to serve as CEO for the past 22 years. We have built an admired and respected company from coast to coast. I am forever grateful to all associates for our achievements and thank them from the bottom of my heart for all their efforts, especially through the pandemic” Jackson said in the release.
He added: “I have every confidence Mike Manley will lead AutoNation to an even brighter future.”
Manley’s appointment to the role of AutoNation CEO is the latest in a years-long leadership transition process for the retailer.
In September 2018, it was announced that Jackson, who had led AutoNation since 2009, would transition out of his post as chairman, CEO and president in 2019 to become executive chairman.
The retailer announced in February 2019 that then-USAA chief operating officer Carl Liebert would replace Jackson as CEO and president the following month, with Jackson taking on the position of executive chairman of the board.
Then in July 2019, AutoNation announced that Liebert and the board of directors had mutually agreed he would step down to pursue other interests.
AutoNation named Cheryl Miller, who was then chief financial officer, as the executive to replace Liebert as CEO and president.
And with that appointment, Miller became the first female chief executive officer of a publicly traded automotive retailer, AutoNation said at the time.
In April 2020, AutoNation’s board granted Miller a leave of absence for health reasons. Jackson took on the leadership post, taking on the position of chairman and CEO.
In July 2020, the company said Miller had decided not to return and resigned from AutoNation and its board of directors. The retailer said Jackson would retire once a new CEO was named.
And in February of this year, AutoNation named a new chairman of its board: Rick Burdick, who was elected by the board and succeeded Jackson as chairman (Jackson remained CEO).
AutoNation had previously announced a board succession plan and its intention to separate the chairman and CEO roles.
Burdick became an AutoNation director in May 1991 and was named lead independent director in December 2018. Burdick became independent chairman of the board as of Feb. 15.
“Mike Manley brings considerable and comprehensive automotive experience to AutoNation, including strategy, business development, and a focus on operations,” Burdick said in a news release.
He added: “Mike's exceptional performance over the years aligns with AutoNation's commitment to excellence, a peerless customer experience, and innovative industry-leading drive.”
As for the departing CEO, Burdick said: “Mike Jackson is the epitome of a great leader. He exemplifies excellence, determination, and drive. Under his leadership, AutoNation solidified itself as America's largest and most admired automotive retailer, selling over 13 million vehicles and raising over $28 million in the fight against cancer. Mike has been the voice for the automotive industry and its customers. We at AutoNation are privileged to have had his leadership for over 20 years.”
On the Stellantis side, Mark Stewart, who is chief operating officer for North America, and Antonio Filosa, who is COO for Latin America, will report directory to Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, as the top executives leading the North American and Latin American regions for the OEM.
“It's been my privilege to know Mike first as a competitor, then as a partner and colleague in the creation of Stellantis, but most importantly, always as a friend,” Tavares said in a release from the automaker. “From the very earliest days of our discussions, we shared a truly common vision, belief and commitment and it's on these solid foundations, built over the past several years, that Stellantis has delivered its impressive early results.
“So, while I'm personally sorry to no longer have Mike as a colleague, I'm equally delighted for his new CEO role and glad that he will be joining the board of the Stellantis Foundation.”
CARFAX chief executive officer Dick Raines will retire from that role on Nov. 30, and taking over as CEO on Dec. 1 will be vice president Bill Eager, the company said in a news release Monday.
“It’s been my honor and privilege to work with Team CARFAX for the past 30 years in fulfilling our mission to help millions of people,” Raines said in the release.
“I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished together, including the unique assets we’ve built in our data and global brand recognition. The time is right for me to step down,” he said.
“Our business, leadership, culture, and future are stronger than ever. CARFAX is in great shape with Bill as its next leader. His strategic insights and operational excellence, combined with the support of an all-star management team, ensures a bright future for CARFAX. Our best days are ahead of us.”
Eager has been CARFAX VP for 17 years. Before his time at CARFAX, he was with The Cobalt Group.
“I’m supremely confident in our future because of our history,” Eager said. “We’ve worked hard to build CARFAX into a household name that’s synonymous with confidence and trust. CARFAX will continue to be at the forefront of innovation.
“With every new technology that emerges, we meet the challenge of using them to deliver CARFAX information in new and improved ways,” he said. “All the pieces are in place — a clear strategy, trusted brand, powerful data, continuity of leadership, and the conviction of everyone on Team CARFAX that we’re stronger together. I want to thank Dick for his visionary leadership and look forward to carrying on our mission.”
motormindz — an automotive venture consultancy — has chosen a well-known automotive journalism veteran and SiriusXM host as its new president and corporate development officer. The new hire is Jason Stein, current host of the satellite radio giant's "Cars & Culture with Jason Stein" and former publisher of Automotive News.
According to the company, Stein, who is joining a team of 120 executive-level subject-matter experts across 32 countries, will work to expand motormindz' global footprint and assist in the launching of its venture fund — designed to "identify and accelerate" business solutions for the automotive industry.
"Jason Stein brings a wealth of experience to the team and he will play an integral role in driving our own transformation, creating a 2.0 version of ourselves which will further our thought leadership and industry influence," said motormindz founder and CEO Jeff Van Dongen in a news release. "Jason's arrival pushes that transformation into a higher gear, where he can leverage his international market expertise and high-level interaction with leading automotive companies to help motormindz continue to transform the industry."
Stein, already a reacognized business leader in the auto space, is host of the aforementioned SiriusXM show that airs weekly on Business Radio, Channel 132, as well as on the Spotify, Apple, Pandora and Stitcher podcast platforms.
But before his stint as show host, Stein directed business operations for Automotive News, and led three international Automotive News properties – including Europe, Canada and China. He reached this position after starting as an Automotive News Detroit-based reporter in October 2003 before transferring to Automotive News Europe's Munich, Germany, headquarters in 2005. He was later named, publisher of Automotive News Europe, then overseeer of editorial operations of Automotive News. And in 2012 he added the responsibility of associate publisher, then publisher — quite the journey.
Stein said of his new venture at motormindz: "I'm honored and excited to join a company that's built an incredible reputation in the marketplace less than a decade into its existence. The company's plans for growth are aggressive and motormindz is perfectly positioned for its next decade as a technology and solution accelerator to the industry."
Stay up to date on motormindz news via Auto Remarketing as the venture consultancy launches its venture fund and explores the potential of the auto industry.
Online vehicle sales platform Vroom has chosen a new chief financial officer to oversee financial reporting, accounting, tax, treasury, risk management and financial planning and analysis, as well as leading investor relations for the company. Robert Krakowiak is the company's new CFO, and was formely in the same role at Stoneridge Corp., a designer and manufacturer of electrical and electronic systems focused on the auto industry.
“I am excited to step into the CFO role at Vroom and continue to help the company execute its strategic plan, accelerate its growth and deliver value for its shareholders. I look forward to partnering with the entire Vroom team to build on the Company’s strong momentum and business fundamentals,” said Krakowiak, in a news release.
Prior to his role at Stoneridge, Krakowiak held roles in finance and investor relations at Visteon Corporation and Owens Corning.
Vroom chief executive officer Paul Hennessy said: “Bob has a proven track record of results-driven leadership, strategic thinking and financial acumen. We look forward to benefiting from his leadership and expertise as we continue to execute on our plan, scale our operations and pursue our path to profitability. I am delighted to welcome Bob to the Vroom team.”
The new CFO takes the place of David Jones, who the company said will stay on as a non-executive employee of Vroom through Nov. 30 to help with the transition.
“During his tenure at Vroom, Dave has overseen significant growth and transformation, including leading the company through its IPO, subsequent securities offerings and the CarStory acquisition; I want to thank him for his meaningful contributions to the company. He also built a dedicated and talented finance and accounting team that is extremely well positioned to continue transforming the business and delivering on our objectives. We wish Dave all the best in his future endeavors,” Hennessy said in the release.
Vroom has been on the move this summer. In August, the company continued its expansion with a new hub in Phoenix, after opening another hub the month before in the Pacific Northwest, specifically Seattle.
And the company posted record ecommerce unit sales and gross profits in the second quarter, Auto Remarketing reported in August.
Vroom also operates the Texas Direct Auto and CarStory brands.
