FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -

Bill Berman has been named president of AutoNation, the retailer said in a news release.

In a move that was effective Wednesday, Berman — who had been executive vice president and chief operating officer — becomes president and COO.

Mike Jackson, who had held the title of president, continues at AutoNation’s chairman and chief executive officer.

Berman has been EVP/COO since 2015, after leading the west coast region for AutoNation.  As region president, Berman built several used-car and Customer Care processes that AutoNation implemented throughout its dealer body. Berman engineers the retailer’s brand extension strategy, implementation and growth.

“Bill is an outstanding and exceptional leader, whose proven track record and ingenuity are vital for the next phase in AutoNation's history,” Jackson said in a news release. “He will continue to lead all operational functions, including the recently announced AutoNation brand extension strategy.”

Addtionally, AutoNation promoted Marc Cannon and Donna Parlapiano to executive vice president positions. Both of those moves were also effective Wednesday.

“Marc and Donna, along with Bill, are key to AutoNation's continued growth and the implementation of our strategic brand extension initiatives. With this expanded executive team, AutoNation is well positioned for a successful future,” Jackson said.