CARY, N.C. -

Roughly three months after ServNet first announced a change in leadership was in motion, the collection of independent auctions revealed who will be leading the group.

According to a news release distributed on Friday afternoon, ServNet president Eric Autenrieth announced the appointment of industry veterans John Brasher and Robert Sullivan to head ServNet’s executive team.  Brasher and Sullivan will assume leadership of the auction group on Jan. 1.

Brasher has been named executive director, while Sullivan will serve as administrative director.

“We are delighted to welcome two individuals of such caliber and standing in the auction industry to ServNet’s executive team,” Autenrieth said.  “Both John and Bob have years of experience in the industry and are champions of the independent auction. 

Both former owners of ServNet auctions themselves, they bring unique and valuable perspectives to their new leadership positions,” Autenreith continued.

ServNet president-elect Bruce Beam agreed that their experience as auction owners and their knowledge of the industry prepared both Brasher and Sullivan for their new roles. Beam will take the reigns as president in October.

Friday afternoon’s development follows ServNet’s decision to move to an executive director system following Pierre Pons’ announcement that he would step down at the end of 2019 as the group’s chief executive officer, a post he has held since 2007.

Pons’ firm, TPC Management, has concurrently provided administrative management services to the ServNet group of auctions.

“We have great admiration for Pierre and the TPC team and are grateful for his dedication to our group for these past 12 years. He has worked tirelessly to fortify ServNet as an organization and to strengthen ServNet’s position in the industry,” Beam said.

On Friday, Pons again reflected on his time with ServNet.

“Having been the steward of the ServNet Brand for the past 12 years, I am very pleased to pass the torch to two veteran former ServNet Auction operators,” Pons said in the news release. “I really believe that no one can represent the organization better than someone that has owned and operated a ServNet auction location. 

“John and Bob’s industry credentials are unparalleled, and I know they will continue to build and strengthen ServNet in this quickly changing industry,” Pons continued. “Our team in Franklin, Tennessee will be working diligently to ensure a smooth transition over the coming months.”

As owner of the Brasher family of auctions before an acquisition by ADESA in 2016, Brasher had been actively involved in many of the initiatives sponsored by ServNet. In fact, two Brasher auctions were founding members of ServNet in 1988. 

Sullivan was managing partner of Chattanooga Auto Auction, which was an early member of ServNet, as well. He served a two-year term as ServNet’s president from 2004 to 2006, and has worked as a consultant for a number of ServNet auctions in recent years.

“We believe in the independent auction and have the highest regard for the leadership role that ServNet has taken in the vehicle remarketing world,” Brasher said. “ServNet auctions have always been among the innovators in the industry, and will continue to shape the nature of the auction business. 

“It’s exciting to work with Bob in our new capacity as ServNet’s executive team to encourage and support the rising generation of auction owners and to carry forward the work to keep ServNet auctions strategically relevant in a rapidly evolving industry,” Brasher continued.

Brasher noted that ServNet auctions were one of the first in the industry to develop simulcast auction selling, initially via satellite feed and then through Online Ringman. 

ServNet auctions owners also were instrumental in the development of Auction Pipeline, which was launched in 2006.

“This is a tremendous time for John and me to join again with ServNet and to be part of its forward momentum,” Sullivan said. “As we focus on driving ServNet’s operating capabilities and growth, we are equally inspired by the opportunities for ServNet to embrace the new tools and methods that are taking the auction experience to new levels: mobile technology, the virtual marketplace, digital channels, 360-degree imaging and data analytics. 

“We look forward to a new chapter and an exciting future,” Sullivan added.