Adam Chamberlain has taken another step up the ladder at Lithia & Driveway, which announced his promotion to executive vice president and chief operating officer as part of the automotive retail and services company’s leadership realignment.

Chamberlain joined LAD in 2022 as East regional president and added the role of chief customer officer in January.

Chris Holzshu, who had been serving as LAD’s COO since 2019, will continue as an executive vice president. Vice president of Driveway operations Dianna du Preez will replace Chamberlain in the CCO role.

In a news release, LAD said the moves were made “to more efficiently realize operational potential and leverage the competitive advantages of its now completed customer ecosystem.”

“Adam’s extensive experience in the automotive industry, coupled with his success leading our eastern region, positions him perfectly for this growing role,” president and CEO Bryan DeBoer said. “His deep understanding of customer needs will be instrumental in driving profitability through a more connected, convenient and holistic experience for our customers wherever, whenever and however they choose to interact with us.”

Chamberlain’s 25-year career includes retail leadership roles at several large European automakers, including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, FIAT and, most recently, Aston Martin. In his time with LAD, the company said, he has “demonstrated a talent for quickly improving operational results while fostering a customer-centric culture.”

In her new role as CCO, LAD said, Du Preez is charged with continuing to build out the customer ecosystem and the company’s Driveway channel, as well as after sales, to enhance the customer experience. Her three decades of customer service experience includes 16 years with Mercedes-Benz USA, most recently as vice president of customer service.

Holzshu will serve as LAD’s appointee on the boards of Pinewood Technologies Group and Wheels Inc., “to strengthen our partnerships, leverage synergies across our customer ecosystem and focus on corporate development,” the company said.

“I am so thankful for Chris’ contributions as COO and our continued partnership,” DeBoer said. “His love for growth and success throughout his many senior roles prepares him perfectly to continue strengthening our unique ecosystem and significantly contributing to our mission of growth powered by people.”