Carmel, Ind.-based KAR Auction Services, Inc., a provider of used-vehicle auction services, announced the company has named Ken Garbez as vice president of operations for High Tech Locksmiths (HTL). KAR acquired HTL, the largest provider of transponder, remote, high-security and car smart keys in North America, in January of this year.

“Ken will be a great asset to High Tech Locksmiths,” said Jay Wiener, HTL CEO. “He is an auto industry veteran that possesses a unique ability to efficiently and effectively manage operational functions while also building and maintaining strong relationships both inside and outside the company.”

Garbez has more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, with 12 years spent at ADESA, a business unit of KAR. He has held various management roles at ADESA in the areas of operations, reconditioning and transportation, including assistant general manager at ADESA Golden Gate, and most recently, at ADESA Las Vegas.

“HTL has experienced consistent and steady growth, and Ken’s addition to our team will allow us to reach even more customers across the KAR business units from our nationwide locations,” said Wiener.