Carmel, Ind.-based KAR Auction Services, Inc., a provider of used vehicle auction services, has announced the appointment of Chief Executive Officer Jim Hallett as chairman of the board of directors. KAR Auction Services Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Ryan Birtwell made the announcement.

“Jim was a natural fit for this role, given his extensive industry experience and professional insights,” said Birtwell. “This experience balances nicely with our new, independent board members and their diverse backgrounds and talents. Jim’s leadership skills will foster strong collaboration and decisive action for the company.”

Hallett has been with the KAR group of companies since 1993, when he joined ADESA Canada as president. In 1996, he relocated from his native Canada to Indianapolis to serve as president and chief executive officer of ADESA. During his time as CEO of ADESA, the company grew from 16 to 53 whole-car auctions and expanded its finance company, Automotive Finance Corporation, to fully service the floorplanning needs of the industry. He also solidified ADESA’s presence in the remarketing industry by entering the salvage vehicle market both in the U.S. and Canada. From 2005 to 2007, Hallett was president of Columbus Fair Auto Auction in Columbus, Ohio. In April 2007, he returned to ADESA in the role of president and CEO, and, in September 2009, he was named CEO of KAR Auction Services.

“I am incredibly honored to lead the KAR group of companies and our team of talented and dedicated people,” said Hallett. “I look forward to continuing our successful history of innovative growth and am energized by this new opportunity.”