ATLANTA -

In naming Tony Markese as vice president of reconditioning, Manheim says the move will help the company grow its reconditioning operations in preparation of digital and mobility sector growth.

Markese, who was promoted to vice president, operational excellence for Manheim in 2012, will now have responsibility for determining the strategic direction of the company in the area of reconditioning services.

He will work to ensure the company attracts and retains quality automotive technicians across its nationwide network. Manheim said in a news release that attracting technicians will be “no small feat,” with an industry shortage in that area.

But Markese has confidence in the future technician workforce of Manheim. Reasons for that confidence include Manheim’s partnership with the TechForce Foundation and a future new and aspiring technician apprentice program.

“We know what bright futures automotive technicians can have, especially at a company like Manheim, which offers training, support and opportunities for career growth,” Markese said. “Between our internal programs and external partnerships, we are doing everything we can to promote this important career path and highlight the role that it will play in the future of mobility.” 

After joining the company in 1998 as controller at Manheim Orlando, Markese eventually served as general manager at several Manheim operating locations in Florida before his promotion to vice president, operational excellence. He helped lead large, transformational projects in that position. Among those projects: a $400 million initiative to modernize Manheim’s operating locations.

Manheim said that to meet growing industry demand, it continues to invest in its reconditioning shops, people, processes and technology. In addition to reconditioning services for vehicles within the Manheim marketplace, more than half of Manheim’s physical locations now offer reconditioning services. The company said those services help dealers get their vehicles in front-line condition, and that has allowed the company to produce more than 100,000 retail-ready vehicles since 2015.

“Reconditioning is a significant part of our business and is growing fast as the mobility landscape shifts and new entrants come onto the scene,” said Manheim senior vice president, assurance and reconditioning Fredrick Standfield. “With the fast-paced transformation of the automotive marketplace, Tony’s exceptional ability to manage change and help his teams and clients envision the big picture make him the ideal person to lead this growing area of our business.”