AutoNation confirmed last week to Automotive News that Scott Arnold, a nearly 20-year company veteran, retired May 31 to focus on his health after stepping back from some responsibilities this year.
Arnold, 61, was senior vice president of special projects and customer care. Customer care is AutoNation's term for its parts-and-service business. It is unclear what his health condition was, and Arnold did not respond to requests for comment.
Arnold, an Automotive News All-Star in 2018 for service and parts, helped craft AutoNation's brand extension initiative and was charged with executing the company's branding plans for parts, accessories and collision.
AutoNation named Dave Wilmore, who's been with the company about seven years in management roles, senior vice president of customer care and brand extensions.
AutoNation has had some churn among its leadership in recent years, including three COOs leaving from 2015 to 2019.
But several of AutoNation's top executives have been with the company for more than 10 years.
In April, AutoNation gave COO Jim Bender, 64, a two-decade company veteran, the added position of president, transferring a title that had been held by now-former CEO Cheryl Miller. That same month, it promoted longtime company executive Marc Cannon to chief customer experience officer.
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