The McConkey Auction Group has hired Joe Lemonds of Carolina Auto Auction to be the new general manager of the DAA Las Vegas auction it purchased earlier this month, while also announcing a chief operating officer for the company, among other moves.

Starting with the new auction GM, Lemonds has been Carolina’s assistant general manager the past two years, following time heading up the national accounts for the auction.

In his new position, Lemonds will work alongside DAA Las Vegas vice president Dan Thomas and managing partner Russ Norrish.

“Joe understands the challenges that dealers and national accounts are facing,” MAG chief executive officer and president Bob McConkey said in a news release. “He’s eager to help them succeed in their businesses as he works to expand DAA Las Vegas’ market.”

Carolina Auto Auction general manager and owner Eric Autenrieth added, ““We’re really excited for Joe — this move is a great opportunity for him and his family, and it’s well-deserved. He will definitely be missed here at our sale, though!

“We’ve begun the search for a qualified candidate to oversee our commercial sales, dealer sales, and marketing teams, and we know that filling Joe’s shoes won’t be easy,” he said.

 Beyond the hiring of Lemonds, MAG has made a few other executive team additions. The company has promoted DAA Northwest GM Dave Pendergraft to the role of MAG chief operating officer, and it has brought on Chris Bradley from the Titus-Will Automotive Group to lead business development.

Collin McConkey will now be the GM of DAA Northwest.

“I’m really looking forward to working alongside Joe and our entire executive team,” Bob McConkey said in the release. “The Stanley family (Carolina Auto Auction) and McConkey family have a deep connection and a long history in this industry. “We’ll be working together closely in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition as Joe comes onboard.”