CARMEL, Ind., February 9, 2015 – Carmel, Ind.-based KAR Auction Services, Inc. (NYSE: KAR), a provider of used vehicle auction services, announced today that Jim Hallett, CEO of KAR Auction Services, was recognized as one of six Northwood University Outstanding Business Leaders at the 35th Annual Outstanding Business Leader (OBL) Awards Gala on Saturday, February 7, 2015.
Hallett was recognized for his longstanding track record of professional success and leadership in the automotive remarketing industry. He has been with the KAR group of companies since 1993, when he joined ADESA Canada as president. In 1996, he relocated from his native Canada to Indianapolis to serve as president and chief executive officer of ADESA. During his time as CEO of ADESA, the company grew from 16 to 53 whole-car auctions and expanded its finance company, Automotive Finance Corporation, to fully service the floorplanning needs of the industry. He also solidified ADESA’s presence in the remarketing industry by entering the salvage vehicle market both in the United States and Canada. From 2005 to 2007, Hallett was president of Columbus Fair Auto Auction in Columbus, Ohio. In April 2007, he returned to ADESA in the role of president and CEO, and in September 2009, he was named CEO of KAR Auction Services. In 2015, Hallett was appointed chairman of the board of directors.
“To receive this award amongst so many esteemed professionals—both this year’s recipients and those who have been acknowledged over the past 34 years—is truly humbling,” said Hallett. “Northwood University is known for its automotive programs that create so many outstanding professionals each year, and I’m proud to be associated with its strong reputation in our industry.”
Northwood University annually recognizes a select group of men and women for their business achievements and for their support and exemplary leadership of the communities in which they live and work. These individuals serve as role models for Northwood University students, all of whom are engaged in the study of business management, as they share anecdotes relating to the obstacles and challenges they encountered while on their personal road to business success, as well as remedies relating to how they overcame them.
In addition to Hallett, the 2015 award winners included: Steve Madincea, Founder and Group Managing Director of PRISM; Sonu Ratra, President of Akraya, Inc.; Melissa Spickler, Founder of The Spickler Group and Managing Director at Merrill Lynch; Rollie Massimino, Head Coach of Northwood University Men’s Basketball; and, John Rotche, President of Title Boxing Club.
In the 35 years since the program’s founding, more than 300 business leaders from more than 30 states and several countries, representing dozens of industries and fields of business expertise, have received the Outstanding Business Leader Award.
About KAR Auction Services
KAR Auction Services, Inc. (NYSE: KAR), a FORTUNE® 1000 company, operates used vehicle auction services for North American sellers and buyers worldwide. Based in Carmel, Ind., the KAR group of companies is comprised of ADESA, Inc. (ADESA), Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. (IAA), Automotive Finance Corporation (AFC), and additional business units, with nearly 12,000 employees across the globe. Together, KAR’s complementary businesses provide support, technology and logistics for the used vehicle industry. For more information, visit www.karauctionservices.com.
ABOUT NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
Northwood University is committed to the most personal attention to prepare students for success in their careers and in their communities; it promotes critical thinking skills, personal effectiveness, and the importance of ethics, individual freedom and responsibility.
Private, nonprofit, and accredited, Northwood University specializes in managerial and entrepreneurial education at two full-service, residential campuses located in southern Florida and mid-Michigan. Adult Degree Programs are available in seven states with many course delivery options including online. The DeVos Graduate School offers accelerated, evening and weekend programming in Michigan, Texas and Florida. The Alden B. Dow Center for Creativity and Enterprise provides system-wide expertise in family enterprise, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and new business development. International education is offered through study abroad and in Program Centers in China (Changchun and Wuxi), Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
NAAA Posted 2/9/2015