FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -

AutoNation’s chief financial officer Mike Short is leaving the company.

The move was effective Tuesday, and the company has appointed Cheryl Scully, vice president and treasurer, as interim CFO, as the company searches for a new exec to fill the position.

Mike Short said, "I've enjoyed my seven years at AutoNation, and I am proud to have contributed to the company's success.  I have decided that now is the appropriate time to begin planning the next chapter, both professionally and personally for my family. By leaving now, both the company and I will have the opportunity to start 2014 fresh."

Mike Jackson, chairman and chief executive officer of AutoNation, stated, "Mike Short has helped successfully navigate the company through the economic downturn, as well as the recovery.  He implemented our shared service capability giving AutoNation a competitive advantage. We wish Mike the best and understand his decision to make a change now."

AutoNation is using recruiting company Heidrick & Struggles to conduct a national search for a new CFO.