Right after announcing a decision involving dividends, Penske Automotive Group promoted one of its executives who likely is quite involved with the execution of those funds going to shareholders among many other decisions for the company’s finances.

This week, Penske said Michelle (Shelley) Hulgrave, the company’s senior vice president and corporate controller, has been named executive vice president and chief financial officer. According to a news release, the promotion is effective on June 1.

Hulgrave will replace J.D. Carlson, who is retiring effective June 1 from his role as executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Penske recapped that Hulgrave joined the company in 2006 as corporate accounting manager, was promoted to vice president and corporate controller in 2015 and was promoted again to senior vice president in February 2020.

Prior to joining Penske, Hulgrave held various positions for DaimlerChrysler Financial and Ernst & Young.

“Ms. Hulgrave has a strong operational and technical background in finance and accounting and her experience and tenure with the Penske Automotive organization will help maintain the integrity and discipline of our worldwide financial operations, and provide a solid foundation for success,” the company said in the news release.

The company also announced another executive move this week as Penske promoted Aaron Michael to executive vice president of financial services and global risk management while continuing as treasurer.

Michael has served as Penske’s senior vice president of financial services since 2014 and has been the company’s treasurer since 2006.

In this role, Penske explained Michael will continue to manage the company’s capital structure, relationships with lending partners and real estate portfolio. He is also assuming the additional responsibility of oversight for the company’s risk management function.

From 2001 through 2006, Michael was employed by Penske in various finance and treasury roles. Prior to working with Penske, Michael was a commercial lender for Comerica Bank.

“Mr. Michael has been instrumental in reducing the company’s leverage and optimizing its capital structure during the challenging pandemic year,” Penske said.