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CDK has new CEO as MacDonald steps down
CDK Global has a new chief executive.
The company announced Wednesday that Brian MacDonald has stepped down from his post and that Brian Krzanich has been named president and CEO.
Krzanich is the former CEO of Intel, holding that post from May 2013 to June of this year.
MacDonald will assist in the transition, as Krzanich steps into the new role leading CDK.
“In evaluating the future of CDK, the board and Brian MacDonald concluded that this is the right time to bring in a proven technology CEO to drive top-line growth and help CDK take full advantage of its many opportunities,” CDK board chair Leslie Brun said in a news release.
“We are thrilled to welcome Brian Krzanich to CDK. With 36 years of experience at Intel, Krzanich combines an exceptional track record of creating shareholder value with exactly the right combination of technology and strategic leadership experience to enable CDK to deliver on its enormous promise,” Brun said. “The board has full confidence that he has the talent and expertise necessary to lead CDK as it pursues a growth strategy.”
Brun later added in the news release: “On behalf of the entire board, I want to thank Brian MacDonald for the superb progress he has made in transforming CDK operations and cost structure, which has created a solid foundation for future growth and shareholder value-creation.”
Krzanich had worked at Intel since 1982, eventually moving his way up to the executive vice president and chief operating officer post in 2012 and becoming CEO in 2013.
“CDK has a leadership position in a dynamic and rapidly evolving automotive technology market, and I am energized by the chance to help grow this unique company and take it to the next level,” said Krzanich.
“The automotive industry is undergoing changes that will impact and present opportunities for dealers, OEMs, consumers and the technology ecosystem that serves them. I look forward to working closely with the CDK board, management team and employees to enable CDK to meet its full potential to generate value for all of its stakeholders.”
MacDonald added: “I'm proud of the progress we've made at CDK and believe the company is ready to capitalize on the significant opportunities in front of it. Over the past few years, we have met our transformation plan goals and strengthened our commitment to our core products, while significantly improving our ability to meet customer needs. With the recent acquisition of ELEAD1ONE, CDK has enhanced its core automotive software capabilities and is well positioned for future growth. I am committed to a seamless leadership transition, and I wish Brian and our entire team success.”
