CARY, N.C. -

Auto Remarketing and SubPrime Auto Finance News on Tuesday highlighted the winner of this year’s Re3 Executive of the Year Award, which is being presented by Consolidated Asset Recovery Systems.

This year’s winner is Scott Phillips, who is vice president of credit risk and business process at Lendmark Financial Services, which was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Covington, Ga. Lendmark Financial Services offers personal loans, automobile loans, debt consolidation loans and merchant retail sales financing services through nearly 200 branch locations in 13 states.

Lendmark Financial’s growth strategy a year ago focused on making major investments in the build-out of 32 new stores and technology to improve the customer experience. In addition to continued expansion and potential acquisition opportunities, the strategy for this year focused on maximizing customer value and delivering on the company’s commitment to its customers and retail partners, which included significant adjustments in the recovery and remarketing departments.

Phillips will officially receive his honor during the Re3 Conference, which is a part of Used Car Week on Nov. 16-20 at the Phoenician in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“Congratulations to Scott Phillips as well as the team at Lendmark Financial Services. Recoveries comprise one of the most the challenging portions of the finance business, and the company navigates these hurdles successfully because of Scott’s expertise and leadership,” said Auto Remarketing and SubPrime Auto Finance News publisher and Used Car Week chair Bill Zadeits.

Phillips joins previous winners of the accolade, including Jeff Haynes of BBVA Compass and Karen Nelson of Crescent Bank.

During the Re3 Conference, which is presented by Digital Recognition Network, CARS chief executive officer Steve Norwood will give the award to Phillips. Here’s a rundown of other industry executives and leaders who already made plans to attend.

“Scott is a thought leader who's knowledge and experience in the industry has been essential for Lendmark as they have transitioned to a centralized repossession and remarketing department from that of a decentralized model,” Norwood said.

“The initiatives that Scott has spearheaded have increased efficiency and streamlined the entire process for Lendmark enabling him and his team to consistently exceed their corporate goals on recovery,” Norwood continued.

Norwood also mentioned why it’s important to recognize executives in the recovery space who play a critical role.

“Having innovative leaders in this industry who recognize the importance of compliance and the challenges it poses is key,” Norwood said.

“The auto finance industry doesn't look the way it did three, four or five years ago, and there are many executives in the market who are supporting and driving change in their organizations and the industry as a whole,” Norwood went on to say. “Recognition for their efforts is an important part of inspiring the rest of our industry to adapt and change with the market.”