Group 1 Automotive said on Thursday that its president of U.S. operations Daryl Kenningham will also assume responsibility for the company’s Brazilian automotive operations.

Group 1 president and chief executive officer Earl Hesterberg said in a news release that Kenningham has served an instrumental role in driving the company’s U.S. performance.

“And extending his role to oversee the company's Brazilian operations further accelerates the integration of best practices between these two markets,” said Hesterberg, who previously oversaw the company’s Brazilian management team.

Throughout the states of São Paulo and Paraná in Brazil, Group 1 operates 17 dealerships representing the Honda, Toyota, BMW/MINI and Jaguar/Land Rover brands.

With the new title of president, U.S. and Brazilian operations, Kenningham will continue to report to Hesterberg. Kenningham’s new role will take place effective Friday.

Kenningham joined Group 1 in 2011.

He held various executive positions at Nissan Motor Corp. U.S.A. and The Friedkin Companies over the previous 23 years. 

Hesterberg said, “We have great brands and a very professional management team in Brazil, and I strongly believe that they will benefit from Daryl’s experience and leadership."