KAR Auction Services on Wednesday elevated one of its executives with significant captive finance company experience to lead its division that offers vehicle service contracts.

KAR announced Edmund Field has been named president of the company’s Preferred Warranties business unit. PWI serves independent dealers and smaller franchised stores as well as powersports dealers — offering extended service contract protection plans for pre-owned units. 

The company indicated Field will be responsible for leading PWI’s operations and digital and mobile product development and advancing its market growth strategies. He will be based at KAR’s global headquarters in Carmel, Ind.  

“Edmund joins PWI at a time of great opportunity, as the company nears the completion of our nationwide expansion by the end of the year,” said Paul Kramarz, senior vice president of risk at KAR business unit, AFC.

“Edmund’s extensive experience and leadership skills will be instrumental in PWI aligning with KAR strategic initiatives and achieving a leading position within the industry,” Kramarz continued.

With more than 20 years of automotive industry experience, Field joined KAR earlier this year as the director of new product development. Before coming to KAR, Field was at Volkswagen Group and VW Credit. He supported the areas of insurance, sales and business development, new product development, contact center operations, fleet management and manufacturing.

During his time at VW Credit, Field was responsible for the development and launch of Volkswagen Financial Protection Services as a start-up insurance entity selling and administering a full suite of insurance protection products to Audi, VW and Ducati dealers in the U.S. market.

Field also held several management roles at VCI’s customer service center in Libertyville, Ill.