Automotive industry veteran Richard Howse has joined KAR Auction Services as its new chief commercial officer, the company announced on Wednesday.

Most recently, Howse served as senior vice president of marketing and business development at Volkswagen Credit.

Howse’s automotive industry leadership background spans over 30 years.

“Rich has led growth and change in a variety of customer settings, so he has first-hand experience designing and implementing solutions across diverse operating models,” Don Gottwald, chief operating officer for KAR said in a news release. “He’ll work closely with our existing sales leaders to help unlock and deliver the full force of the KAR platform.”

In his new role, Howse will focus on developing customer solutions that integrate KAR’s capabilities and businesses.

 “Under his direction, cross-functional teams will focus on expanding communication channels and creating a direct conduit between customers and KAR’s innovation, data science and product development teams,” KAR said in a news release.

Additionally, he is responsible for implementing new processes to enhance collaboration within KAR’s whole car and salvage auction business units, as well as the company’s diverse ancillary and related services subsidiaries.

Howse will report to Gottwald.

At Volkswagen Credit, Howse also served as the director of remarketing before becoming senior vice president of marketing and business development.

Within his career, Howse has had leadership positions with JD Power, Audi of America, Honda and General Motors.