AutoNation: USAA Exec to Succeed Jackson
The nation’s No. 1 auto retailer has named Carl Liebert as its new president and CEO, succeeding Mike Jackson, who will serve as executive chairman of AutoNation’s board.

USAA COO Carl Liebert will become AutoNation’s first new chief executive since 2009 next month.
Photo courtesy AutoNation
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — AutoNation Inc. has appointed Carl Liebert as AutoNation’s new president and CEO, effective March 11. Mike Jackson will assume the role of executive chairman of the board.
“AutoNation is the retail automotive industry leader. The company has a coast-to-coast brand, a comprehensive Brand Extension strategy, and a transformational digital consumer car-buying experience,” said Jackson, who has served as the group’s chief executive since 2009. “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. Carl is uniquely qualified to lead AutoNation forward.”
Liebert currently serves as executive vice president and COO of USAA, a Fortune 100 full-service financial services company serving nearly 13 million members. The former U.S. Navy officer also has served in leadership roles with Home Depot, General Electric, and Circuit City.
“AutoNation has a clear strategy that sets it apart in the auto retail sector and diversifies the typical retail business model. The company’s brand extension strategy has given it an edge in what is a cyclical business," Liebert said. "The opportunities that lie ahead for AutoNation are massive, and the ability to lead this next chapter is deeply humbling and exciting. … I am confident in the road ahead, and I am honored to lead this extraordinary company.”
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry

RV Group Expands Carolina Footprint
Blue Compass RV Columbia Northeast is the 13th RV dealership owned by Blue Compass in the Carolinas.
Read More →
Agent Acumen
An Agent Summit panel of people who’ve been supporting auto dealers for years gave both timely and timeless advice for those starting out or mulling the prospect.
Read More →
Missed Maintenance Creates Opportunity
As families get back on the road and into daily school routines, service drives have an opportunity to capture customers who are behind on recommended vehicle maintenance.
Read More →
Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan
The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.
Read More →
Selling to Grow
The question of whether you should sell your agency and if so, when, is up to you. But it’s a question worth asking to ensure you keep the business on the right path for yourself, employees and clients.
Read More →
Recalled Vehicles Hit 5-Year High
Though the number of events has fallen so far this year, impacted units are up significantly. Meanwhile, regulators consider consumer notification changes.
Read More →
Auto Group Acquires Top-Performing Rooftop
Car Pros sold its Kia Huntington Beach location to Sutherlin Automotive Group, marking the buyer’s third location in Southern California.
Read More →
China as Pacesetter
Automotive leaders huddled on where North America stands in the global picture and how it can strengthen its position against the Asian juggernaut’s surging industry.
Read More →
BMW Concept Car Makes Fuel to Burn
The prototype developed in concert with a South Carolina university engineering team generates more solar energy than it uses in a typical daily commute.
Read More →
South Carolina Auto Group Downsizes
Florida-based group Holler-Classic has acquired four rooftops, its first in South Carolina, from Dick Smith Automotive Group.
Read More →