Gulf States Toyota brings in new COO/SVP
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Almost four months after introducing its new president, Gulf States Toyota has added another member to its leadership team.
Mike Brennan, a 28-year automotive veteran, has been named chief operating officer and senior vice president, effective Aug. 5. The company said he will oversee field operations, marketing, dealer relations, fixed operations and supply and demand.
GST is one of the world’s largest independent distributors of Toyota vehicles and parts, serving 156 Toyota dealerships in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. The company announced it had appointed Eric Williamson as president and general manager in April.
“This is a pivotal time for GST as we build on the success the company has experienced since its inception more than 50 years ago and look to advance a strategic vision for the future,” chairman Dan Friedkin said. “Mike’s expertise, commitment to innovation and collaborative spirit will enable us to achieve continued growth as we leverage new technologies like AI to strengthen our operations and evolve our culture to support this transformation.”
Brennan has held senior roles at the dealership/retail, OEM and private distributorship levels. Most recently, he was COO of Anderson Automotive Group in Raleigh, N.C., and previously served in a variety of roles with Southeast Toyota Distributors, including vice president of sales, VP of marketing, area general manager, district sales manager, director of accessories and truck operations director.
Brennan said he and the GST will “collectively strive to provide superior value to our dealers, TMNA, partners and Toyota customers,” and said he looks forward to “championing innovation that will enable us to expand our organizational capabilities and achieve continued growth and success on our journey forward.”