McLEAN, Va. -

The National Automobile Dealers Association named a new president Tuesday evening, appointing California New Car Dealers Association president and chief executive officer Peter Welch to the role.

The NADA Board of Directors held a special meeting Tuesday in Dallas, where they unanimously approved Welch as president. He was selected after a nationwide search and will officially take office on Feb. 1.

Welch has held his leadership posts with CNCDA since 2003 while managing its government affairs office since 1990.

“I’m excited and honored to be selected as the next NADA president,” he said, adding: “NADA is a well-run organization. I look forward to following in the tradition of strong leadership at NADA. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get started.”

Current NADA chairman Bill Underriner said: “Peter will be a great leader at NADA. He has an impressive track record in California, where every day he faced some of the toughest regulatory and legislative issues in the industry. He's a car guy who comes highly recommended not just from people in California, but also across the nation.”

Dave Westcott, NADA vice chairman and incoming NADA chair, said: “Peter Welch is a great selection. He is the right person to help lead our organization as we confront the challenges ahead.”

Auto Remarketing will have two special features on Westcott and his Burlington, N.C., dealership in the Feb. 1–14 print edition of the publication, which is the special issue on the NADA Convention & Expo.

Along with Welch’s appointment, Underriner made these promotions, which were effective immediately:

  •   Joseph Cowden, executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer
  •   Andrew Koblenz, executive vice president, legal and regulatory affairs and general counsel
  •   David Regan, executive vice president, legislative affairs.