FRANKLIN, Tenn. -

After 12 years in the position, Pierre Pons will step down from his role as chief executive officer of ServNet Auctions at the end of 2019.

ServNet will move to a single executive director system, which it had before Pons became CEO in 2008, versus its current corporate staff operation.

“Ten years is a solid run for any CEO position, and the end of the year will mark a full 12 years that I’ve worked with ServNet,” Pons said in a news release. “It has been an absolute privilege working with the ServNet auction owners and their families who head some of the very best independently owned auctions in the industry.

“We have worked hard together to navigate and overcome the many challenges our industry has faced in the past decade,” he said.

ServNet president Eric Autenrieth, who is the managing partner of Carolina Auto Auction and Indiana Auto Auction, said: “Pierre and his team have provided our group with both structure and leadership, helping us to manage monumental changes in the auction industry. 

“Not a small part of that was adjusting to major industry acquisitions and consolidations, and a major restocking of auctions within the ServNet group, with more than half our membership joining the group during Pierre’s tenure as CEO,” Autenrieth said.

Pons is the founder and president of TPC Management firm, which separately provides consulting, recruiting and succession planning services to 18 of ServNet’s 22 auction members. Those services will continue and expand.

Pons said stepping down from the ServNet CEO role will allow him and the TPC team to expand their services to additional independent auctions. They also plan to add more resources to TPC’s Auction Academy continuing education program.

Pons will work with the ServNet board as it looks for an executive director.

“Over the coming months, our team will work closely with the ServNet Board to help identify candidates for the executive director position and to effect a smooth transition of administration,” Pons said.

“We have a number of projects, conferences and initiatives yet to implement for ServNet through the end of the year, each of which will receive the attention and diligence needed and expected,” he said. “Our clients and industry partners can expect a full continuation of everything they have come to expect from ServNet Auctions.”

Pons added: “Personally, this move will allow me and my team to expand our service offering under our TPC umbrella to more independent auto auctions across the country. We look forward to helping them with their competitive positions in what is certainly an ever-challenging business climate and providing some of the tools and processes that have been proven to be effective. 

“TPC also provides services to other facets of the wholesale automotive industry, working with technology, transportation, and inspection companies as well as a number of financial and strategic parties that seek or have made investments in the auto auction and related industry.”