Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. Appoints Daniel E. Clara as Chief Operating Officer
The Board of Directors of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: ABG) (“Asbury” or the “Company”), a leading automotive retail and service organization in the United States, has announced the promotion of Daniel E. Clara to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective February 17, 2025. This appointment comes as a recognition of Clara’s extensive contributions to the company and his exceptional leadership within the organization.
Extensive Industry Experience
Daniel E. Clara brings more than 23 years of experience in the automotive retail industry to his new role as COO. Having served Asbury Automotive Group in various capacities over the years, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of store operations, strategic growth initiatives, and customer-focused service excellence. Prior to his promotion, Clara held the position of Senior Vice President (SVP) of Operations for five years, during which he played a key role in overseeing operational efficiency and spearheading major business integrations.
Clara’s journey with Asbury has been marked by a steady ascent through the ranks. Before his tenure as SVP of Operations, he served as a Regional Vice President, Market Director, General Manager, and in various other store-level leadership roles. His career began in frontline retail positions at Asbury, giving him firsthand experience of customer service and store operations. This breadth of experience across multiple levels of the company has equipped him with a well-rounded perspective on both high-level strategy and day-to-day operations.
Board Recognition and Support
The decision to promote Clara to COO was unanimously endorsed by Asbury’s Board of Directors, reflecting their confidence in his ability to drive operational excellence and strategic growth. Tom Reddin, Chair of the Board, emphasized the impact of Clara’s leadership in shaping the company’s success.
“Dan has done a great job leading store operations for Asbury over the past five years,” said Reddin. “His leadership has contributed significantly to the company’s same-store growth, successful integration of several large acquisitions, and, most importantly, value creation for our shareholders.”
David Hult, President and Chief Executive Officer of Asbury Automotive Group, also expressed his enthusiasm for Clara’s new role. “I am very excited that the Board has appointed Dan as our Chief Operating Officer. This is a well-earned promotion, recognizing his exceptional leadership and dedication. Over the years, Dan has been instrumental in driving our store operations forward and ensuring that our retail locations remain focused on both efficiency and customer satisfaction.”
Expanded Responsibilities and Future Vision
As Chief Operating Officer, Clara will assume broader responsibilities that extend beyond overseeing store operations. His new role will encompass leadership of Asbury’s development and innovation team, as well as major functions within the company’s marketing department. This expansion of duties highlights the company’s commitment to fostering continuous innovation and strengthening its market presence.
“With the totality of Dan’s growing responsibilities, he will have an even larger impact on enabling an industry-leading guest experience and refining the go-to-market strategies in our stores,” added Hult. “His proven leadership and operational expertise make him the ideal person to take on this expanded role.”
Clara’s new responsibilities will involve strategic planning for future growth, implementing technological advancements to enhance customer experience, and driving marketing initiatives that align with Asbury’s mission to be the most guest-centric automotive retailer. His ability to integrate innovative solutions with traditional retail operations will be critical as the company navigates an increasingly digital and customer-focused automotive landscape.
Clara’s Perspective on the Promotion
Upon his appointment, Clara expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and his excitement for the future.
“I am honored and grateful to take on a larger leadership role at Asbury Automotive Group,” Clara stated. “I want to sincerely thank David and the Board of Directors for placing their trust in me. Their guidance and support have been invaluable throughout my journey with the company.”
Clara also acknowledged the mentorship and influence of David Hult. “David has been an incredible mentor to me since he joined Asbury in 2014. His leadership has shaped both my professional growth and the strategic direction of the company. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our talented team members in pursuit of our mission: to become the most guest-centric automotive retailer in the industry.”
Asbury’s Commitment to Excellence
Asbury Automotive Group has consistently positioned itself as a leader in the automotive retail sector. With a strong emphasis on customer service, digital transformation, and operational efficiency, the company has achieved significant milestones over the years. The appointment of Clara as COO aligns with Asbury’s long-term strategy of strengthening its leadership team and reinforcing a customer-first approach across all aspects of its business.
Under Clara’s leadership, the company aims to further streamline its operations, optimize its dealership network, and continue expanding its footprint through strategic acquisitions. His deep understanding of the industry, combined with his hands-on experience at various operational levels, positions him well to lead Asbury into its next phase of growth and innovation.
The promotion of Daniel E. Clara marks an important milestone for Asbury Automotive Group as it continues to evolve in response to changing industry dynamics. With his leadership, the company is poised to enhance its operational efficiency, customer experience, and overall market competitiveness. As Asbury embarks on this next chapter, stakeholders—including customers, employees, and investors can expect continued dedication to excellence and sustainable growth.
As the automotive industry undergoes rapid transformation with technological advancements, electric vehicle adoption, and shifting consumer expectations, Asbury’s proactive leadership appointments signal a forward-thinking approach to navigating these changes. Clara’s vision and execution capabilities will play a crucial role in ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of the industry.
With a commitment to innovation, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction, Asbury Automotive Group is set to thrive under Clara’s leadership as Chief Operating Officer. His appointment reflects the company’s dedication to fostering strong leadership within its ranks and positioning itself for sustained success in the years to come.
