KAR Auction Services Inc. announced that long-time senior executive Warren Byrd will step down from KAR Global after 23 years with the company, and he will also exit his role as treasurer on the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) Board of Directors.
Byrd most recently served as EVP of corporate development and real estate at KAR for the past 10 years, overseeing all corporate development projects and real estate acquisitions within the company’s portfolio, including 300 locations across North America and Europe, KAR Global announced. Byrd has received many industry accolades including the 2019 Remarketer of the Year awarded at the Conference of Automotive Remarketing (CAR). Beginning in 2009, Byrd also served as NAAA's secretary until 2016, when he became the association's treasurer.
“Warren has positively influenced every facet of the remarketing industry and our company,” said Jim Hallett, chairman and CEO of KAR Global. “His exceptional work ethic and expertise have led him to serve in a variety of leadership roles at KAR and with our industry partners. I’ve always admired his dedication not only to KAR but also to actively engaging in remarketing initiatives and alliances, and committing his time and talent to steer our industry into the future. We will miss his friendship, his leadership and the calm, human, and collaborative voice he has always brought to the industry dialogue.”
During Byrd’s tenure, KAR acquired more than 50 auctions and built dozens more. More recently under his direction, KAR constructed its new state-of-the-art corporate headquarters in Indiana and opened the new ADESA Chicago auction. Byrd is also noted for his contribution in establishing KAR’s online systems, including DealerBock, ADESA’s foremost digital platform.
Meanwhile, NAAA Past President Paul Lips, chief revenue officer at ADESA, will take the reigns as treasurer on the NAAA Board of Directors effective as of May 13.
"While we're saddened by his leaving, we wish Warren all the best," said NAAA Chief Executive Officer Frank Hackett. "His efficient fiscal management and strong financial discipline as treasurer has been a key factor in making NAAA the dynamic, robust organization it is today. On behalf of the entire membership, I thank Warren for his dedicated service and invaluable contributions to NAAA and our industry."
Byrd began his career as an attorney at a law firm in Indianapolis. He joined ADESA in 1994 as general counsel and was quickly promoted to chief information officer and VP of corporate development followed by president of ADESA Impact, a salvage auction subsidiary. Immediately prior to assuming his current role, Byrd served as EVP of corporate development at ADESA.
“I’ve been extremely fortunate to work within the auto remarketing industry for nearly three decades and to collaborate with so many extraordinary people—creating memories I will never forget,” said Byrd. “The growth I’ve been apart of within KAR has been astonishing, and I am proud of all we’ve accomplished working together to further the industry.”
Byrd has also served as a board member of Auto Auction Services Corporation and committee member of AuctionNet, a joint venture with NAAA and J.D. Power.
Byrd will still stay on with KAR in a limited consultative capacity for the remainder of the year.
