CARMEL, IN — ADESA announced changes to its used-vehicle operations management at ADESA Tampa and ADESA Birmingham. Curtis Farris, previously general manager at ADESA Sarasota, will now oversee operations at ADESA Tampa as the auction’s general manager. Additionally, John Rea will now serve as general manager at ADESA Birmingham, effectively immediately. 

“Curtis is a versatile leader committed to providing customer-focused service,” said ADESA CEO and President Tom Caruso. “I’m excited to have him join our team at ADESA Tampa, and I look forward to working with him.”

Farris began his career with ADESA in 2007 as fleet lease and captive finance manager at ADESA Sarasota. Prior to joining ADESA, he was the Indiana fleets and facilities manager for Hertz. Farris replaces long-time ADESA employee Rick Hanson as the auction’s general manager. Hanson, who spent 14 years with ADESA in various auction management positions, is relocating to be closer to family.

At ADESA Birmingham, John Rea will now fill the position of general manager. Rea began his career in the automotive industry in 1972 at family owned Rea Brothers’ Mid-South Auto Auction. In 1994, he joined ADESA Charlotte as fleet/lease manager until moving to ADESA Austin in 1997 to serve as the auction’s general manager. In 2000, he returned to his family’s business. Most recently, Rea was COO for Auction Software, Inc., a company that provides operating systems for automobile auctions. He is active in the industry and served as president of the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) in 2008.

“John has worked in this industry his entire life and is well-known and well-respected by employees and customers alike,” said Caruso. “His extensive auction experience and established customer relationships will be a true asset to ADESA Birmingham.”