Automotive sell-side advisory firm Kerrigan Advisors announced it has added former AutoNation executive Chris Gempton as senior vice president of sell-side advisory.

The new SVP will open Kerrigan Advisors’ new Florida office in Miami, which will serve clients in the Southeast, a market the company said is very active for dealership buy/sell transactions.

Kerrigan Advisors founder and managing director Erin Kerrigan said the addition of Gempton and the new office is “further expanding our presence in Florida, an area that continues to capture record valuation as referenced in our Q1 2024 Blue Sky Report” and noting that the team now boasts a “collective transaction experience” of $12 billion.

Gempton comes to the firm after 13 years with AutoNation, most recently leading the company’s acquisitions and divestitures as vice president of corporate development. During his tenure, he oversaw nearly $3 billion in transactions involving more than 130 dealerships, representing more than $5 billion in revenue.

Gempton began his career as a CPA serving the auto retail industry for MBAF and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

“Working with Kerrigan Advisors during my time at AutoNation was always a stellar experience,” Gempton said. “Recognized as industry experts and known industry-wide for its tremendous track record and Blue Sky Report, the firm has always stood out for its professionalism, attention to detail and exceptional client service.”