Spencer Stuart Recruits CEO for AutoNation
February 27, 2019 – After an extensive hunt which included internal and external candidates, executive search firm Spencer Stuart has placed Carl Liebert as the new CEO of AutoNation. Mike Jackson is stepping down after serving some 20 years in the role. He will remain as executive chairman through 2021.
“AutoNation is the retail automotive industry leader,” said Mr. Jackson. “The company has a coast to coast brand, a comprehensive brand extension strategy, and a transformational digital consumer car buying experience. Carl is a global leader who brings to AutoNation multi-faceted expertise in leading customer-centric transformations, omnichannel digital capabilities, and supply chain logistics.”
“His work in improving store operations has become a model that many companies have emulated,” he said. “Carl is uniquely qualified to lead AutoNation forward.”
Mr. Liebert, who starts his new role on March 11, currently serves as EVP and chief operating officer of USAA, a Fortune 100 full-service financial services company, serving nearly 13 million members. He was responsible for the overall business strategy and delivering a seamlessly integrated omnichannel customer and member experience. Previously, Mr. Liebert was EVP, stores for the Home Depot, where he was responsible for international sales, strategy, execution and operations, including future supply chain and global sourcing strategy, for the more than 2,000 stores and 250,000 employees.
“AutoNation has a clear strategy that sets it apart in the auto retail sector and diversifies the typical retail business model,” said Mr. Liebert. “The company’s brand extension strategy has given it an edge in what is a cyclical business. The opportunities that lie ahead for AutoNation are massive, and the ability to lead this next chapter is deeply humbling and exciting.”
“The company is ready for its next chapter with a strong foundation, a coast to coast brand, a comprehensive brand extension strategy, and a transformational digital consumer car buying experience,” said Mr. Jackson.
During Mr. Jackson’s tenure, AutoNation became the largest auto retailer. The company has sold more than 11 million vehicles, serviced more than 40 million customer vehicles and raised nearly $15 million for national cancer-related charities. AutoNation is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL and has more than 325 locations.
Spencer Stuart Lands CEO for Advance Auto Parts
Spencer Stuart placed Thomas Greco as CEO of Advance Auto Parts. The search included internal and external candidates. Mr. Greco joined Advance Auto Parts following a 30-year career at PepsiCo. Previously, he served as CEO of Frito-Lay North America.
“Before AutoNation, there wasn’t a voice of auto retail,” said Mr. Jackson. “That created a certain imbalance and tone deafness in the industry which wasn’t healthy.”
Over Mr. Jackson’s 19 years at the helm of AutoNation, the company’s stock gained 258 percent and outperformed the S&P 500, which gained 127.6 percent, according to Reuters. Most of that outperformance peaked about three years ago, however, and the stock has since lagged.
Automotive Sector Specialist
In the world of mobility, organizations that develop and produce automotive vehicles, components and related technologies that move people, goods and materials face unprecedented competition from established players and new entrants. “Accelerating electrification of vehicles, autonomous vehicle innovation and entirely new value propositions centered on connectivity require organizations to rethink their approach to leadership and culture,” said Spencer Stuart. “The courage and vision to innovate, collaborate and put customers first will be critical.”
Spencer Stuart works across the sectors and services of the mobility spectrum, including automobile, trucking, train and shipping.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Andrew W. Mitchell, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
