The largest dealer group in the United States, AutoNation, has announced a new CEO to succeed Mike Jackson. As of November 1, Mike Manley will step into the role of chief executive officer at AutoNation and will assume a spot at the table with the Board of Directors.
AutoNation will take Manley from his current position with Stellantis as the Head of Americas. It’s the role he’s occupied since January 2021. The return to the CEO role comes only 10 months after the merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group saw Carlos Tavares take the CEO seat for Stellantis.
In the press release, Mike Manley commented, “I am excited to join AutoNation and the Executive team. AutoNation has set the benchmark for automotive retail excellence. It has accomplished a number of industry-first milestones, including being the only automotive retailer to sell over 13 million vehicles. Most recently, the Company has shown its focus and determination by producing five consecutive record-breaking quarters, during an unprecedented time.”
Manley has an extensive history that demonstrates capable leadership. He first joined Daimler Chrysler as director of network development in 2000, then successfully occupied the position of executive vice president of international sales and global product planning operations in December 2008. Since then, he’s been the head of Jeep brand, head of Ram brand, and chief operating officer in the Asia-Pacific region.
He was appointed as CEO for FCA in July 2018 and held the role until the Stellantis merger.
AutoNation Chairman Rick Burdick said, “Mike Manley brings considerable and comprehensive automotive experience to AutoNation, including strategy, business development, and a focus on operations. Mike’s exceptional performance over the years aligns with AutoNation’s commitment to excellence, a peerless customer experience, and innovative industry-leading drive.”
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Mike Jackson to retire Nov. 1
With Mike Manley joining the leadership at AutoNation, Mike Jackson will officially retire on November 1. He’s held the CEO role for more than two decades, aside from a short time when Carl Liebert had the reins from March 2019 to July 2019, and Cheryl Miller occupied the position from July 2019 to April 2020.
Jackson’s tenure has been filled with accolades, according to his AutoNation profile. He’s been recognized as CEO of the Year by CEO Magazine in 2006, received the National Retail Leadership Award by the Detroit Free Press at NAIAS in 2011, and was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2018, among many others.
Jackson said, “It has been a remarkable honor to serve as CEO for the past 22 years. We have built an admired and respected company from coast to coast.I am forever grateful to all Associates for our achievements and thank them from the bottom of my heart for all their efforts, especially through the pandemic. I have every confidence Mike Manley will lead AutoNation to an even brighter future.”
Chairman Rick Burdick commented on Jackson, “Mike Jackson is the epitome of a great leader. He exemplifies excellence, determination, and drive. Under his leadership, AutoNation solidified itself as America’s largest and most admired automotive retailer, selling over 13 million vehicles and raising over $28 million in the fight against cancer. Mike has been the voice for the automotive industry and its customers. We at AutoNation are privileged to have had his leadership for over 20 years.”
The team at CBT News wishes Mike Jackson the very best in retirement.
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