CLEVELAND — National Automotive Experts (NAE) has announced the addition of Ben Bottini to their team as indirect sales manager in charge of agent relations. Bottini will lead marketing efforts for NAE's vehicle service contract (VSC) initiative and lend support to the company's direct sales initiatives.

Bottini brings more than 21 years of automotive experience to NAE. He was previously the senior v.p. national sales director for Key AutoFinance, a division of KeyCorp. In addition to his auto finance experience, Bottini has worked in the automotive retail industry in sales management and F&I.

"Ben brings another level of experience to our company and we believe his talents and experience in the auto industry will add a level of competence to our management team that all of our dealer and agency partners will benefit from," said Bob Mancuso, executive vice president of NAE. "Ben will be well-received by our current agents around the country. He has an excellent demeanor and dealers instantly respond to him because of his vast knowledge and experience."

Bottini attended the State University of New York at Morrisville as well as Cortland, and currently lives with his wife of 23 years and two children in Avon Lake, Ohio. He previously resided in Rome, NY.

"With the continual development of our agent and dealer partnerships around the country, we believe that having someone with extensive experience can assist our partners in ways unprecedented in the auto industry," said Kelly Price, president of NAE. "The opening of our new 4,800 square foot training center, securing the best 'A'-rated carrier in the industry and our new e-Rating, e-Contracting and e-Remit program, in addition to acquiring people with Ben's experience will continue to enhance our mission — to be every agent and dealer's preferred administrator."