A week after the start-up announced its chief executive officer, online vehicle-shopping website GoGoCar named its chief technology officer and board member on Monday.
Bringing more than three decades of expertise in planning, developing and launching software companies both big and small to GoGoCar is Antony Satyadas, who the company hopes to help bring the platform to market this summer.
The company explained Satyadas was selected as CTO after GoGoCar founder Tony Urrutia and CEO Stan Thomas worked through the blueprints of GoGoCar technology within Satyadas’ company, Innovation Incubator. Urrutia and Thomas were introduced to Satyadas through T3 Consulting, in which Thomas is managing partner.
“It was during our work with one another at Innovation Incubator that I saw Antony really ‘got it.’ He understands that we are creating a whole new landscape for both car buyers and dealers alike,” Urrutia said.
“This is our chance to disrupt the automotive industry with an entirely new way of doing things,” Urrutia continued. “Add to that Antony’s impressive track-record being a global change agent within companies like Dell and IBM, and his role as CTO was a given.”
In addition to his role as CTO of GoGoCar, Satyadas will continue to lead as the CEO of Innovation Incubator, a fast growing startup serving investors and entrepreneurs to create and grow large market cap portfolio companies.
Satyadas has a track-record of founding successful companies, helping three technology companies — Cognub, Propmix and Indunia — launch within the last year alone.
Before he founded Innovation Incubator with Matt Kumar, Satyadas served in a variety of leadership roles for companies such as IBM, Dell and AT&T, as well as co-founded a couple of startups in cognitive computing and healthcare.
“It is seldom that one gets an opportunity to make a difference that can impact one’s life as a consumer, technologist and business leader,” Satyadas said. “Car buying will never be the same again. I am so glad that we are able to not only apply our CAMS, Cognitive computing, and design thinking expertise in action here, but also to transform the digital auto buying experience”.
Satyadas has conducted courses, keynotes, and workshops worldwide, and has served on the editorial board of several reputed international journals and 50 international scientific committees. He is also a senior member of IEEE.
For more information on the launching of GoGoCar later this summer, visit www.gogocar.com.
An individual used to traveling at high speeds recently joined Beepi, an online platform that uses technology to conduct vehicle purchases online or via smartphone.
Former Yahoo Autos editor at large and 2010 Indy Car Rookie of the Year Alex Lloyd is now part of the Beepi team as head of content.
In this new role, the company indicated Lloyd will help position Beepi as an industry expert and launch new content channels for the brand.
“My path here is not what you’d call conventional,” Lloyd wrote in a blog post on Beepi’s website. “I’ve spent much of my life as a professional race car driver (since age 8, in fact). It’s fair to say, then, that I’m an adrenaline junky, comfortable lapping the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 230 mph, and not afraid of crashing. Which begs the question: Why am I here creating content for Beepi?
“Well, being unafraid of crashing doesn’t mean you enjoy doing it. Trust me, hitting a wall at over 200 mph hurts, and I have the hospital bill to prove it,” he continued.
“I’m here because I believe Beepi is the future; because the used-car marketplace is filled with scams and mistrust, and I want to be a part of the solution,” Lloyd went on to say. “I’m here because technology today allows us to do better. And the fact I get to move from the frigid Midwest to sunny California, well, that’s the icing on the cake.”
Bringing Lloyd into the fold comes after Beepi made some moves to work with some traditional players in the automotive industry, including the formation of a relationship with Ally Financial.
In strategic growth moved as part of its new market structure, Manheim announced four general manager promotions in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Utah.
Those include:
- Butch Herdegen III (Manheim Jacksonville and Manheim Daytona Beach)
- Ellie Johnson (Manheim Statesville)
- Doug Kramer (Manheim Atlanta)
- Cade Rindfleisch (Manheim Utah)
Each of those GMs have at least 20 years in the remarketing business.
“Choosing strong leaders is a key part of our growth strategy, and these leaders are poised to attract and retain customers in enticing ways in these vital markets,” Tim Janego, Manheim’s regional vice president for the East region. “These professionals have served in all different types of roles in the dealer auction business over a number of years, and they have seen it all. I’m thrilled to work alongside general managers with such solid backgrounds in the industry.”
Herdegen has been with Manheim since 2006. His positions have included dealer services manager of Manheim Lakeland, Manheim Central Florida and Manheim Palm Beach, as well as his most recent post as GM of the Go Auto Exchange Orlando.
Johnson, currently the board chair of the National Auto Auction Association and its former president, has been with Manheim for 30 years. Her most recent role was as GM of Manheim North Carolina.
Kramer joined Manheim 21 years ago and his time in the remarketing business goes back 30 years. His most recent post was GM of Manheim Central Florida.
Rindfleisch is new to Manheim, but worked with Cox Automotive on the Go Auto Exchange auction operation. His background in the remarketing and wholesale business goes back more than 20 years.
“These GMs will lead dealer volume growth, enhance local market share, set a new standard of service orientation and drive development of our team members at each operating location,” said Mark Ford, Manheim’s RVP for the Southeast. “It’s a great benefit to have rising leaders who are results-oriented with proven track records of extraordinary performance.”
In another Manheim move, the company brought on Cary Donovan, formerly of the Sam Swope Auto Group that sold most of its stores last fall.
Donovan is now the company’s senior director of operations tasked with supporting Manheim’s locations in dealer business development, said a Manheim spokesperson.
Dealer.com partnership with Contact at Once
In news from another Cox Automotive company, Dealer.com is partnering with Contact at Once. As part of the deal, Dealer.com will offer the company’s chat and text solutions, including several packages that are integrated with Dealer.com websites.
“Contact at Once! has a history of delivering leading chat and text products and services," said Wayne Pastore, senior vice president of Dealer.com. “The Contact at Once tools allow us to give dealers a powerful, convenient and mobile solution to better connect one-on-one and service car buyers wherever they are, whenever they need help.”
The two companies also partnered back in 2013. Their partnership then incorporated chat functionality into the Dealer.com Control Center.
With the new partnership, Dealer.com clients can choose from options that include chat and text that is fully managed or co-managed.
John Hanger, general manager of Contact At Once, said: “Those services can help dealers round out a comprehensive solution for connecting with online and mobile shoppers. Dealer.com understands the power of giving consumers the options to chat and text and wants to make the implementation, from integration to invoicing, straightforward for their dealer clients. We are proud to be selected as their provider.”
National repossession management provider Del Mar Recovery Solutions recently added two key positions to its leadership team to enhance its broad range of skip-tracing, license plate recognition, transport and remarketing services.
Establishing these posts and joining the company as a part of what Del Mar called “a testament to growth and advancement” are Jessyca Andrews as vice president of human resources and talent acquisition and Erick Magnuson as vice president of information technology.
The company explained Andrews will be charged with creating innovative recruitment initiatives throughout Del Mar’s three national call centers, retention strategies as well as the implementation of tools for continued organizational health.
Andrews’ background includes significant leadership positions in various settings including divisional vice president and adjunct faculty at Ashford University. While serving as divisional vice president she led large recruitment teams through several initiatives while exceeding performance goals.
As vice president of information technology, the company noted Magnuson will support and oversee Del Mar’s information technology strategy and operations as well as drive IT-supported business process innovation. He will oversee corporate information systems, network security, telecommunications systems, and database development.
Prior to arriving at Del Mar, Magnuson served as director of information technology for a San Diego based small business lender where he was responsible for their technology infrastructure, technology compliance and project management in many software development initiatives.
Magnuson also served as a principal consultant for Human IT Resources, a San Diego-based HR and technology consulting firm.
“We’ve seen incredible growth in the past 24 months, and we’re thrilled to bring on these talented individuals to help navigate some of the most vital areas of Del Mar,” Del Mar founder and chief executive officer Joshua Elias said. “We understand the key to continuing our offerings of best in class repossession services to finance companies, we must continue to have the right leadership in place.
“We’re excited to welcome Jessyca and Erick as they will be integral to helping us evolve and better serve our clients,” Elias added.
An online vehicle shopping website set to debut this summer named its chief executive officer on Monday whose previous industry experience includes time at companies such as JM Family Enterprises.
Taking over the role effective immediately for GoGoCar is Stanley Thomas, co-founder and managing principal of T3, an automotive consulting firm that helps startups, medium-sized growth companies and large enterprise companies grow their teams, solutions and revenue in the automotive space.
GoGoCar founder Tony Urrutia hired T3 Consulting Group to help launch the company, which says it’s “on a mission to change the way consumers buy and dealers sell vehicles online.”
After being instrumental in the planning of the company, GoGoCar is asking Thomas to be responsible for the strategic direction of the new company, as well as developing and securing funding, building strategic partnerships, hiring and managing the GoGoCar team, and finally launching and introducing the new platform to the industry.
GoGoCar emphasized that consumer frustration with the current vehicle-buying process and the growing importance of online research and negotiations are creating a unique shift in the automotive landscape.
According to a recent Accenture survey of more 10,000 vehicle buyers, three-quarters of the respondents stated “if given the opportunity, they would consider making their entire car-buying process online, including financing, price negotiation, back-office paperwork and home delivery.”
GoGoCar insisted it is committed to “making this need a reality” by introducing a platform that can give customers the ability to complete all research, paperwork and negotiations online, and only visit the dealership to either test drive or take ownership of their vehicle.
“Our vision is to simplify the car buying process for the buyer, save consumers money, and ultimately change the entire new car buying and selling process forever,” Urrutia said.
“With his vast network of automotive partnerships, negotiating and team-building skills, and strategic business expertise, Stan is clearly the right choice for bringing this next big disruptor to the forefront of our industry,” Urrutia added.
In addition to his role as CEO of GoGoCar and managing principal of T3 Consulting Group, Thomas has held management and executive positions with automotive companies such as DealerUps, eCarList and JM Family Enterprises.
“As an industry we’ve needed something like GoGoCar for a long time. Consumers are changing the way they want to interact with dealers when buying a vehicle, and we all need to adapt to fit the new model,” Thomas said. “I’m honored to help bring this next big wave to the dealership buying process.”
For more information on the launching of GoGoCar in summer, visit www.gogocar.com.
Cox Automotive named a vice president of communications and community relations on Wednesday, appointing The Weather Company executive Shirley Powell to the role.
Powell will be based out of the company’s Atlanta corporate offices and will head up day-to-day, global operations of Cox Automotive’s communications.
"Cox Automotive has a great story to tell about how we are connecting the entire automotive ecosystem, and Shirley brings expertise that will enable us to clearly communicate the strength and value of our brands and services," said John Kovac, senior vice president of Marketing at Cox Automotive. "Shirley's superior leadership style and broad experience with leading global communications for multi-brand organizations will be an incredible asset to the company and elevate our visibility among clients and consumers."
Her most recent post was as executive vice president and chief communications officer at The Weather Company. Prior positions include senior communications posts at Turner Broadcasting, NBC Entertainment, Disney/ABC and Nickelodeon.
"The automotive industry is one of the most dynamic industries in America, and being a part of an automotive company with such a rich history and exhilarating vision for the future was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," said Powell. "I look forward to working with such a talented team to accelerate growth and provide an exceptional client experience."
CarMax announced Tuesday it is currently recruiting for more than 1,600 positions in its locations across the United States.
According to the company the majority of the positions are in sales, with additional positions available in service, purchasing and in the business office. The positions available also range from full- and part-time with day and evening shifts available.
“CarMax is committed to hiring people who are passionate about providing an exceptional customer experience,” said Bill Nash, the company’s president. “Our associates’ dedication and drive to not only support the customer, but each other, is what makes CarMax a great place to work.”
The areas with the largest number of job openings include Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Southern Florida, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Denver and Sacramento, Calif.
CarMax’s home office in Richmond, Va. is also hiring for 50 digital- and technology-related positions. The positions include a range of roles, including application architects, UX designers, security analysts and software developers.
“You don’t necessarily need to have experience in the automotive industry to work at CarMax,” said Tracey Shoemaker, CarMax’s director of talent acquisition. “We focus on hiring people with high integrity and provide award-winning training and development to help our associates build great careers.”
Interested parties can search jobs and apply here.
Manheim has announced its new general manager of Manheim Pennsylvania.
Serving in his 15th year with Manheim and taking the reins as GM of Manheim’s home auction location is Joey Hughes.
In the new role, Hughes will be responsible for all aspects of the auction’s operations, over both its internal workforce of 1,600 full- and part-time employees as well as externally over Manheim’s large customer base.
“Joey’s long career in the automotive business, beginning as a small dealer in North Carolina, make him a strong fit for a role that requires exceptional skills in cultivating customer relationships and driving performance,” said Mike McKinney, Manheim’s vice president, national division. “Joey has been a champion of employee and leader development from day one, and I look forward to seeing the enhancements he’ll bring to our Pennsylvania operations.”
Hughes joined the company in 2001 as a dealer sales representative before moving on to being fleet lease manager and assistant general manager and eventually general manager at Manheim Darlington.
He has also served as the vice president of the Carolinas and general manager of Manheim Statesville in North Carolina.
Taking over at the Pennsylvania location, Hughes will see over the more than 10,000 vehicles Manheim sells there each week. He will also take over Manheim’s conversation and community service initiatives – according to Manheim, the Pennsylvania location operates the largest state-of-the-art reconditioning center and water conversation center, the latter which reduces its daily water demand by 60 percent.
Outside of Manheim, Hughes is also a member of the National Auto Auction Standards committee and also serves as its treasurer of the Southern Chapter.
In a trio of moves first reported by Cliff Banks of The Banks Report and later confirmed by Auto Remarketing, Cox Automotive has created a chief operating officer position and has named Mark O’Neil to the position.
In addition to announcing the COO move, Cox Automotive said Thursday that Keith Jezek will become president of the Cox Automotive Software Group, O’Neil’s most recent role. Jezek is currently president of software solutions.
Cox Automotive also created a position of chief product officer, which will be filled by Rick Gibbs.
A longtime product and technology executive, he was formerly Dealertrack’s executive vice president and group president for digital marketing solution.
Jezek and Gibbs will report to O’Neil, who will report to Cox Automotive president Sandy Schwartz.
“Mark is an automotive industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience integrating and operating a wide range of companies, and he has done it effectively,” Schwartz said in Thursday’s news release. “This move will help us to make quicker decisions and take products to market more cohesively as we help our clients thrive in an expanding and competitive marketplace.”
O’Neil added: “This is a time of opportunity for Cox Automotive. Since the formation of Cox Automotive, clients have been asking us for a connected experience and for products that work together seamlessly. We will keep evolving to help our clients not only compete, but thrive amid new consumer demands, compressed margins and complex technologies.”
All three of these moves involve executives with extensive backgrounds with the auto industry at large and with companies brought into the Cox Automotive fold over the years.
O’Neil was president of Dealertrack, which Cox Automotive purchased. He became the president of the Cox Automotive Software Group. He was also a co-founder of CarMax, among other areas of auto experience.
Jezek co-founded vAuto with Dale Pollak, and Gibbs co-founded Dealer.com (which Dealertrack would eventually purchase).
Gibbs was also chief technology officer and president at Dealer.com before becoming chief executive officer and president there.
Gibbs has headed up product development since the Dealertrack merger.
The Motorlease Corporation announced at the beginning of March an internal promotion of one of its own to the position of business development manager.
Moving up from the position of inside sales account executive is Dave Deslauriers, who will now be responsible for enhancing the company’s lead-generation and referral process, and delivering qualified sales leads and tracking those leads.
Deslauriers will also be responsible for expanding Motorlease’s digital and social media brand presence and assisting with the development of marketing and digital media.
Beth Kandrysawtz, Motorlease’s chief executive officer, praised Deslauriers for his performance at the company and is looking forward to having him fill the new role.
“During his time at Motorlease, Dave has had a measurable impact in improving our sales process,” Kandrysawtz said. “We believe this new role will help him continue to grow professionally and help us meet our challenging sales and marketing targets.”
Prior to joining Motorlease in 2015, Deslauriers held business development roles in the recruitment and finance industries. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from the University of Connecticut.
