2019 ALL STAR | DEALER/PUBLIC
BRYAN DeBOER
CEO,
Lithia Motors
Since succeeding his father as CEO of Lithia Motors Inc. in 2012, Bryan DeBoer has expanded the group’s retail network with voracious mergers and acquisitions activity.
In 2014, Lithia was No. 8 on Automotive News’ list of the top 150 dealership groups for new-vehicle sales. After a spate of acquisitions, both large and small, over the course of five years, Lithia sits at No. 3, behind AutoNation Inc. and Penske Automotive Group.
DeBoer’s skills at scaling up the retail group stem from his long tenure with the company. Prior to becoming CEO, DeBoer served as senior vice president of mergers and acquisitions and operations, and then as COO. Joining Lithia in 1989, DeBoer himself grew from single-store-level management positions to eventually becoming a general manager of multiple Lithia locations.
Under DeBoer, 53, Lithia has expanded its digital retailing technologies. This year, Lithia launched a full suite of digital tools through its Pittsburgh dealerships, at baierl.com.
One such program using the technologies, which is in pilot, allows customers to sell their used vehicles to Lithia from home. A concierge meets sellers at their chosen location to pick up the car, and funds are deposited into the seller’s bank account.