Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2022 Women in Remarketing honorees in the May issue of the magazine, and will be posting Q&As with each of these outstanding leaders on the website.

Next up is Kelly Bianchi, who is president of AuctionVcommerce. 

Auto Remarketing: What is the top trend you’re watching in remarketing/wholesale automotive this year?

Kelly Bianchi: The top trend I am watching this year has actually always been my focus: it is digital transformation. Independent auto auctions were reluctant when simulcast technology was introduced, but I think there were a lot of misunderstandings that, oddly enough, COVID helped to resolve. Now auctions are starting to see things from a global perspective and joining the rest of the world in delivering digital solutions.

AR: How has technology/innovation impacted your specific area of remarketing/wholesale the most?

Bianchi: The introduction of technology to independent auto auctions inspired the initial business model for AuctionVcommerce. Technology requires knowledge and support that was not prevalent in the auto auction community even after the adoption of auction management systems and simulcast. It was a vulnerability that needed to be addressed for several reasons, the most prominent one being the threat of disruption.

AR: What piece of career advice would you have for someone new to the industry?

Bianchi: My advice would simply be: listen and learn before you really engage. The automotive industry has a culture of people who are proud of their history and have spent many years cultivating their relationships with customers and vendors. An outsider coming in to promote change will quickly be dismissed. So listen to understand, and be sure you have a presentation that refl ects what you have learned.

AR: What is your proudest moment/accomplishment, career-wise?

Bianchi: I'm so proud of what I do every day and just continue to feel honored to work with people I admire and respect. While I believe I have accomplished so much, I feel like a lot of what I do is concealed in the background. So I would say that this recognition is truly a major highlight, and I appreciate everyone involved!