Manheim & AutoTrader Group Restructure

To further build and strengthen its leadership team and role in the industry, Manheim and AutoTrader Group announced leadership changes.

by Staff

November 7, 2013

Manheim & AutoTrader Group Restructure — KANE

5 min to read

To further build and strengthen its leadership team and role in the industry, Manheim and AutoTrader Group announced that Andrea Kane has been appointed chief people officer at Manheim and AutoTrader Group. Rock Anderson, Manheim’s former chief people officer, has been named regional vice president of the west region. Both appointments became effective Nov. 1, 2013.

Kane previously served as SVP of human resources for the AutoTrader Group, where she led the company’s human resource functions including training and leadership development, organization effectiveness, human resources management, talent acquisition, and employee communications. She has more than 25 years of human resources experience, including 15 years serving as the head of human resources at global companies including Belkin, ADT Securities Inc., and CNBC. Her expertise extends to talent management, recruiting, employee relations, organization and leadership effectiveness, and change management.

The AutoTrader Group HR team was a recipient of the 2013 SHRM-Atlanta Pegasus Award for excellence in HR that recognizes HR leaders and teams for their vision, entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, inspirational leadership and dedication.

“These changes leverage the collective leadership talent within both businesses, as well as further strengthen our efforts to build a best-in-class workforce serving the auto industry,” said Sandy Schwartz, president of Manheim and AutoTrader Group. “Andrea’s experience leading all of AutoTrader Group’s human resource functions and deep expertise in the HR profession make her a terrific fit for this key role. Having her in this role also allows us to use Rock’s unique understanding of the employee culture and business to lead Manheim’s 32 operating locations in the West.”

In his new role, Anderson takes over business and operational leadership of markets located in the western half of the U.S. He has played a key role previously in strengthening and engaging Manheim’s employees in new and better ways to drive innovation and serve customers. His strategic leadership has resulted in many human resources accomplishments, including recognition from the Atlanta chapter of the Society of Human Resources and the Atlanta Regional Commission. Prior to joining Manheim, Rock held leadership positions with leading large companies including Siemens, Wachovia Bank and INROADS Inc. Affiliated with numerous academic, professional and community organizations, Anderson was recently named one of the Atlanta Business League’s "Men of Influence" for 2013.

Eddie Pope has been promoted to auction manager position at Manheim Houston, and five others will assume general manager positions: Nelson Acosta (Manheim Puerto Rico), Kim Dittoe (Manheim New York/Metro Skyline), David Kaflik (Manheim Louisville), John Olejniczak (Manheim Milwaukee) and Steve Sirianni (Manheim Baltimore/Washington). These changes are effective this month.

“It is always exciting to promote great talent, which is a key part of motivating employee teams and delivering a great experience for customers,” said Mike McKinney, RVP, East Region Operations. “These dynamic leaders, many with a long history with Manheim, will use their expertise and experiences to deliver solutions that help our customers succeed.”

“These promotions are a true testament to Manheim’s goal to put the right leaders in place to drive business growth and expand our customer base,” said Rock Anderson, RVP, West Region Operations. “Our customers will benefit from the leadership and industry knowledge and insights these individuals provide.”

Pope has spent 25 years in the auto auction industry, including 22 years with Manheim. Pope served as assistant general manager at Manheim Dallas for the past three years. He began his auction career in the reconditioning shop at Dallas Auto Auction.

Acosta, who has served as operations manager/commercial accounts manager at Manheim Pensacola since 2011, joined Manheim in vehicle registrations at Manheim Fort Myers in 1997. He was named assistant general manager at Manheim Fort Myers in 2004, and worked at Manheim Statesville before joining Manheim Pensacola. Acosta, fluent in Spanish, holds a degree from the University of Phoenix.

Dittoe previously served as assistant general manager (commercial) at Manheim Pennsylvania. She has spent 24 years in the auction industry, including the last 14 years with Manheim. During her role at Manheim Pennsylvania, Dittoe helped grow the location’s commercial business by 18 percent by adding new business as well as increasing growth of the auction location’s current client base.

Kaflik, who became assistant general manager at Manheim Pennsylvania in November 2011, brings almost 25 years of industry experience to Louisville. Kaflik joined Manheim in 1991 as a commercial accounts manager in Southern California. He has served the company in several roles, including general manager at Manheim Denver, regional vice president for the Midwest and South Central, and TRA manager at Manheim Central Penn. Kaflik earned a master’s degree in business management from Central Michigan University.

Olejniczak, who joined Manheim in 1994, has served as general manager of Manheim Arena Illinois (Bolingbrook) since 2009. Olejniczak has served several roles with Manheim, including assistant general manager at Ohio Auto Auction from 1994-2003, general manager at Manheim Cincinnati from 2003-05, general manager at Manheim Metro Detroit from 2005-09. A graduate of Dartmouth College, Olejniczak was previously employed by General Electric in the Lighting Business group after completing their Financial Management program.

Sirianni has spent the past 23 years with Manheim, including his last role as assistant general manager at Manheim New Jersey. Sirianni, who began his Manheim career as a management trainee at Manheim Fredericksburg, recently completed the Cox Leadership Program. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Millersville University in Pennsylvania.