Auction news roundup: Executive moves at McConkey Auction Group, Cox Automotive
We begin this roundup of auction executive moves in the Pacific Northwest, where McConkey Auction Group has named Tammy Swofford as its vice president of national accounts.
Swofford has previously been the national sales and marketing director at America’s Auto Auction. Her experience also includes time with Manheim.
“We’ve known Tammy for a long time and we have tremendous respect for her industry knowledge and accomplishments,” MAG president and CEO Bob McConkey said in a news release.
“She has worked her way through the remarketing industry and understands the challenges national account customers face in today's rapidly-changing marketplace,” McConkey said.
Swofford was one of Auto Remarketing's “Women in Remarketing” honorees in 2018 and has earned the Warren Young Fellow Award from the NAAA and Element Remarketing’s Laurie Doberphul award.
“I’m excited about supporting the MAG team and national accounts alike in this role,” Swofford said in a release. “There aren’t many organizations out there with the integrity and stellar reputation that Bob and the McConkey team have.
“We share the same passion for this industry, and being a part of the MAG family is something that I have longed for and look forward to,” Swofford said.
Next up, Cox Automotive has named Thad Sykes as vice president of dealer sales. Sykes will be a member of the Manheim and NextGear Capital sales leadership team and lead Manheim’s dealer sales team.
His previous position was as an associate vice president for NextGear. Kyle Ballinger will replace Sykes in the role of associate vice president of NextGear sales.
Sykes has been with Cox Automotive since 2007, starting as a general manager for NextGear. Ballinger has been with Cox since 2005, when he joined as a field sales representative for Manheim Cincinnati. He moved through the ranks to eventually become the lead of the regional dealer sales team in the Midwest.
“Throughout his years with Cox Automotive, Thad has distinguished himself as a proven leader committed to driving success for his clients, while developing a strong client-focused team,” said Peter Grupposo, senior vice president of sales for Manheim and NextGear Capital, in a news release.
Gurpposo added: “I’m excited for Kyle to bring his years of experience with Manheim to NextGear Capital. He is a champion for our clients, committed to helping them find the right mix of business solutions to grow their business.”