Jim Hallett

Jim Hallett is chief executive officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of KAR Auction Services, Inc. As chief executive officer and Chairman, Hallett leads the strategic planning for the entire organization, which includes leading KAR Auction Services’ executive management team. Hallett also oversees the development and implementation of the organization’s objectives and identifies synergies across business units to optimize future growth.

Hallett joined the company in 1993 as president of ADESA Canada. In 1996, he relocated from his native Canada to Indianapolis to serve as president and CEO of ADESA. During his time as CEO, ADESA grew from 16 to 53 whole-car auctions and expanded its financing company, Automotive Finance Corporation (AFC), to fully service the industry. He also solidified ADESA’s presence in the remarketing industry by entering the salvage vehicle market in both 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. In September 2009, he was promoted to his current role as CEO and director of KAR Auction Services.

Hallett entered the retail automotive business in 1975 and later owned and managed a number of new car franchises. In 1990, he opened two automobile auctions: Ottawa Dealers Exchange and The Greater Halifax Dealer Exchange.

A graduate of Canada’s Algonquin College, Hallett holds a Dealer Management Certification from General Motors University. He has received several industry awards, including the Ring of Honor from the National Independent Dealers Association. In 2008, he was recognized as Remarketer of the Year at the Conference of Automotive Remarketing, and then received the Pioneer Award at the National Auto Auction Association Conference in recognition of a lifetime of leadership and contribution to the auction remarketing industry.

Most recently, Hallett was honored with the national EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 Award in the Services category. Leading up to this recognition, he was the Midwest regional winner for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 Award in the Consumer category.

Jim Hallett is the CEO at Openlane. With a background in Marketplace, Jim Hallett has a rich history of leadership and innovation. Explore their detailed professional journey, key connections, and contributions to the industry on our platform.