Buckeye Risk Services reinforced its team on Monday, announcing the addition of Mark Jones as business development manager.

The provider of reinsurable products and risk management solutions for dealers and auto-finance companies highlighted Jones brings nearly 40 years of automotive industry experience — including executive leadership, dealership operations, and extensive industry advocacy — to his new role with Buckeye.

Throughout his career, Jones has held key leadership positions in both franchised and independent dealers.

Jones previously served as general manager of a franchised store and as chief executive officer of a prominent buy-here, pay-here dealership group, overseeing multiple locations and a multimillion-dollar portfolio.

Buckeye Risk Services pointed out that Jones’ firsthand experience managing dealership operations, financing, and profitability gives him a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today’s dealers.

“Mark brings an exceptional combination of industry knowledge, operational experience, and leadership to Buckeye,” said Robert Fox Sr., CEO of Buckeye Risk Services. “Having spent nearly four decades in the automotive business, including leading successful dealership organizations, Mark understands the needs of dealers because he has been in their shoes.

“His experience, relationships, and commitment to the industry will be tremendous assets to our company and the dealers we serve. We are excited to welcome him to the Buckeye team,” Fox added.

In addition to his extensive dealership experience, Jones has been a dedicated advocate for the independent automotive industry.

Jones served nearly a decade on the board of directors of the Texas Independent Automobile Dealers Association (TIADA), including a term as president. He has also testified numerous times before the Texas legislature and various state administrative agencies on issues impacting automobile dealers.

Additionally, Jones served as a member of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Board, further demonstrating his longstanding commitment to the industry.

In his new role, Jones will focus on expanding Buckeye’s presence in the independent and franchised automotive markets, developing new relationships, and helping dealers and finance companies maximize the benefits of Buckeye’s growing portfolio of products, reinsurance programs, and risk management solutions.

“Joining Buckeye Risk Services and becoming part of an organization so committed to the success of automobile dealers is an exciting opportunity,” Jones said. “I am honored to be part of the Buckeye family of employees, customers, and partners, and I look forward to putting my experience and industry relationships to work helping our customers take full advantage of the opportunities available through Buckeye’s comprehensive suite of products and services.”