LotLinx, developers of platform aimed at connecting more than 6.5 million consumers who are searching vehicle inventory online every month directly to the dealership websites where that inventory resides, appointed a new vice president of product management on Tuesday.
Taking on this role is former Dealix executive Dave Shefferman.
LotLinx highlighted that Shefferman has nearly two decades of experience in the high tech and automotive industries, including with Dealix, where he re-built UsedCars.com from a small classified site to a leading industry portal for used-vehicle shopping.
In his new role, Shefferman will support LotLinx’s growth by leading product development and data strategy efforts for the LotLinx Deeplinking platform, the first ever VIN-specific inventory advertising technology that can directly links shoppers from search engines and automotive research sites to the vehicle display pages (VDPs) on dealerships’ websites.
LotLinx noted Shefferman has an impressive track record of designing and implementing proven technology enhancements. As director of product management for Dealix, he led the re-launch of UsedCars.com and tripled used car lead volume and revenue in the first month alone.
Shefferman began his career in digital marketing as the marketing manager for E-LOAN, where he led the development of end-to-end reporting and analytics systems. He honed his online skills as product manager for CafePress.com, where he built the user-flow for the company’s create and buy service.
Most recently, Shefferman served as director of product management, data operations and development for Trulia.com, designing systems and patented processes to manage real estate listing data quality and integrity.
In addition, executive highlighted Shefferman is a prolific and successful entrepreneur. He founded OneBrick.org, a nonprofit organization focused on getting people involved in community service, and co-founded ManageMyScore, an online service that helped people understand how their financial actions would impact their credit scores. Most recently, he founded WineSavage.com, an online wine club focused on artisan, handcrafted wines.
“LotLinx is a proven technology platform that streamlines the car buying process and delivers higher conversion rates at a fraction of the cost of other marketing channels,” Shefferman said. “I think the product is phenomenal, and I’m excited to be working with a fast-growth company and a team of industry veterans who are committed to delivering the best online experience possible.”
LotLinx chief executive officer Dean Evans added, “Dave’s deep product expertise and strong entrepreneurial spirit are incredible assets for LotLinx.
“As we continue to experience strong growth, his skills will be instrumental in helping us continue to provide a positive and efficient online experience for dealerships and consumers,” Evans went on to say.
ADESA named a new vice president of finance operations and general manager of the ADESA business offices in Mesa, Ariz.
Amy Carlson, with 16 years of business experience in finance and operations and five years of experience at ADESA’s Mesa office, takes on the new role effective immediately. She reports to Paul Lips, the executive vice president of operations and finance at ADESA. Carlson joined the ADESA Mesa office, then known as OPENLANE, in 2009.
“Amy has proven to possess the strong leadership and management skills to successfully provide for our employees at this location as well as maintain high levels of service to our customers,” Lips said. “I look forward to working with her to support our business and customer needs.”
Previously in charge of directing the company’s online post-sale operations in North America, Carlson will now oversee all organizational functions as well as implement company policies and procedures while providing direction to on-site employees.
More information about ADESA can be found on the company’s website.
Hertz Global Holdings chairman and chief executive officer Mark Frissora has resigned from his position for personal reasons, the company said in a statement Monday morning.
Appointed by the company’s board of directors to serve as interim CEO is Brian MacDonald, the president and CEO of Hertz Equipment Rental Corp.
Appointed as independent non-executive chair of the board is Linda Fayne Levinson, who is the independent lead director of the Hertz board.
Frissora had been with Hertz since July 2006, when he came over from his post as chairman and CEO of Tenneco.
A search process to find a permanent CEO has been started by the board, whose nominating and governance committee — made up entirely of independent directors — will lead the search.
During, the process, which will include the help of an executive search firm, internal and external candidates will be considered, the company said.
“During Mark's tenure, Hertz has transformed from a single on-airport car rental brand to a world leading rental car company with a portfolio of brands that reach multiple consumer and business segments both on- and off-airport,” Levinson said. “With the acquisition of Donlen, not only did he bring the company into fleet leasing, but acquired important technology that gives both leasing and car rental a competitive advantage. We appreciate his strong commitment to Hertz.”
She added: “We are fortunate to have a proven leader of Brian's caliber and experience to step into the CEO role on an interim basis while the board conducts its search process. Since joining the company, he has hit the ground running. He is a hands-on leader, and we know that he will be actively leading the company forward executing our strategic imperatives during this period.
“Brian has the board’s full support to execute the changes needed to drive shareholder value. We are confident that Brian's abilities and experience at Hertz and elsewhere, together with the talent of the current management team, will ensure a smooth leadership transition for the benefit of all our stakeholders," Levinson went on to say.
CarMax is planning to add more than 1,000 employees to their team.
The company is currently recruiting for the positions in locations across the country, and indicates that most of the positions are in service operations, for roles such as detailers, experienced technicians and sales.
There are also additional open positions in purchasing and the business office. Technicians require previous automotive experience, however, most positions do not, CarMax officials said.
These are full and part-time permanent positions, with day and evening shifts available.
"From day one, new associates are an integral part of our culture and business," said Tom Folliard, president and chief executive officer of CarMax. “They are our most valuable asset, and trusted advisors to our customers and to each other.”
Some of the areas with a large number of service job openings include Sacramento and Bakersfield, Calif.; Cincinnati; Atlanta; Lancaster, Pa.; and Huntsville, Ala.
“Strong customer service skills, a high level of integrity and the desire to work in a team environment are some of the qualities we look for,” said Donna Schaar, assistant vice president of talent acquisition for CarMax. “Candidates who are ready to be part of the hassle-free and fun CarMax car-buying experience should apply now.”
Applications are being accepted online at www.carmax.com/careers.
Preferred Warranties Inc. announced today the hiring of Thomas Wooditch, who joins the company to take on the role of director of training and development.
Brian Cosgrove, the vice president of marketing and sales at Preferred Warranties, says Wooditch will bring a new level of service to his company’s roster.
“Tom’s expertise will be a great asset to our organization,” Cosgrove said. “We feel that Preferred Warranties already has one of the most dedicated, motivated, dealer-centric teams in the business. The prospect of raising the bar yet another level is truly exciting.”
Wooditch joined Preferred Warranties after being the automotive process consultant at MSX International.
In the newly created role at PWI, Wooditch will be responsible for conducting training in the field at the company’s headquarters in Pennsylvania and provide support for the company’s sales consultants.
Cox Automotive announced two new leadership appointments at VinSolutions today. Lori Wittman has assumed the position of vice president and general manager of the Kansas City-area customer relationship management company, while Sean Stapleton has expanded his role with VinSolutions as vice president of sales and marketing.
Keith Jezek, the software division president at Cox Automotive, believes Wittman will be a great fit for the position left open by Brian Skutta, who assumed responsibility of chief executive officer at AutoAlert today.
“Lori is a strong leader with a proven record of success in multiple industries, and her previous experience in operations and technology roles positions her well to drive additional value for our VinSolutions dealers,” Jezek said.
Along with Skutta, who was today named AutoAlert’s new CEO, Akshaya Mehta became the company’s chief technology officer, a newly created position for the company.
“AutoAlert’s advanced analytics and training capabilities have reshaped how dealers can strategically and effectively engage their customers to create more sales and vehicle acquisition opportunities,” Skutta said. “I look forward to working with the team to continue to build on AutoAlert’s success in driving the massive opportunity that technology solutions create for our industry.”
Steve Young, AutoAlert’s co-chairman, believes the acquisition of Skutta and Mehta is just the beginning of the company’s upsweeping goals.
“Since HGGC’s investment, AutoAlert has continued its tremendous growth trajectory,” Young said. “I have no doubt that the addition of Brian and Akshaya will help accelerate the company’s success in delivering best-in-class solutions.”
Chrysler Group made several announcements today, including the establishment of a new office and the appointment of new leadership.
The new office of Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance will be responsible for its namesake (the company’s vehicle safety and regulatory compliance), responsibilities that had previously been held by Chrysler’s global engineering group.
The group will be led by Chrysler senior vice president Scott Kunselman, who previously was in charge of NAFTA purchasing and supplier quality. He also held oversight of regulatory compliance in the prior position of senior vice president of engineering. Tom Finelli will take Kunselman’s previous position.
John Nigro was also named as the head of NAFTA product development, moving from the position of vice president of systems and component engineering with Chrysler. Nigro replaces Mark Chernoby, who is now chief operating officer of product development.
Manheim announced this week the hiring of a new vice president of digital services. Jenifer Eggert, a former vice president of sales for AutoTrader.com moves into this role with over 12 years of digital-related experience and will assume her new responsibilities on Monday.
Janet Barnard, Manheim’s chief operating officer, is looking forward to Eggert’s continued contribution to the company in her new position.
“Jenifer’s wealth of experience in the digital marketplace made her a perfect fit for this role,” Barnard said. “This new role underscores our commitment to capitalize on the diverse opportunities in this dynamic space.
“Jenifer has been instrumental in partnering with leaders of AutoTrader.com and Manheim to execute digital strategies while keeping customers and the field at the forefront of every decision,” Barnard continued. “Her strengths include communication, relationship building and collaboration with customers.”
Eggert began working for AutoTrader.com in Aug. 2002 where she held various roles including regional sales director, regional director, northeast, regional sales manager, district sales manager and Internet consultant.
Black Book has expanded its executive team with the hire of a vice president of analytics and strategic relationships. The company has chosen Anil Goyal to fill the VP spot.
Goyal comes to Black Book with a background in strategy, primarily in banking positions, the company said.
For example, Goyal has held senior risk positions at Bank of American and senior marketing positions at Citigroup.
And most recently, the new Black Book exec served as the chief operating officer and chief financial officer at Corserv Solutions — a company he co-founded in 2009 that provides credit card portfolio services and analytics to community financial institutions.
“Our customers rely on Black Book for the industry’s most accurate data to help them make profitable business decisions each day,” said Tom Cross, president of Black Book. “With the addition of Anil, Black Book complements this data with a deeper reach into trend analysis that provides further decision-making context for our customers.”
Black Book management further explained Goyal will enable Black Book to expand its reach into data and trend analysis for customers in a variety of leading industries.
With the hire of Goyal, Black Book said the new exec “offers customers a new level of knowledge and insight into the trends shaping today’s valuation data.
“His expertise is a major asset to customers seeking deeper engagements in advanced data analytics platforms: Automotive manufactures and dealers seeking vehicle valuation data, lenders identifying the right risk for portfolio expansion and data purveyors across leading industries,” the company concluded.
The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association has named Robert Vail as its new chairman.
Vail, the current president of the Vail Auto Group in Bedford Hill, N.Y., has been a member of the GNYADA board of directors since 1993 as well as holding several positions on both the executive and finance committees for the organization.
The third-generation auto retailer joined the business in the 1960s as a mechanic at the family Ossining Studebaker dealership; Vail’s grandfather opened a Chevrolet dealership in the same town in 1918.
Mark Schienberg, GNYADA’s president, expects Vail to perpetuate his contributions to the association in the new position.
“Bob has been a dedicated advocate for dealers over many years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the job,” Schienberg said, “and I look forward to working with him on the Association’s many important lobbying efforts and grassroots dealer and consumer initiatives.”
