FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Just three months after being promoted to president, William “Bill” Berman, who also served as COO, has resigned.

According to the announcement, Berman will continue to serve as an employee of the company in an advisory capacity through June 30, 2017. AutoNation Chairman and CEO Mike Jackson will assume all operating responsibilities as the dealer group begins the selection process for a new president and COO.

"I thank Bill for his 20 years of service and leadership at AutoNation. We wish Bill all the best in his future endeavors," Jackson stated in the group’s announcement.

Berman is a 30-year automotive retail veteran who had served as AutoNation’s executive vice president and COO since 2015. Prior to that, he led the company’s West Coast region, which contains more than 75 stores that generate more than $6 billion in revenue. He is credited with developing key processes for used-vehicle sales and customer care that were implemented at every AutoNation store.

Officials also said he was the engineer on all of AutoNation’s brand extension strategy, implementation and expansion. When he promoted to president on Feb. 1, Jackson described him as an “outstanding and exceptional leader” who was “vital for the next phase in AutoNation’s history.”

In announcing Berman’s resignation, AutoNation said it promoted Scott Arnold from senior vice president of the dealership, was promoted to executive vice president of customer care and brand extensions, which include AutoNation Collision Centers, AutoNation USA Service Now, AutoNation Precision Parts, and AutoNation Auto Gear.

"Scott has been with AutoNation for more than 15 years, and has served in many retail operation roles,” Jackson stated. “He has been instrumental in developing our brand extensions, and under his leadership, we have seen solid growth in our Customer Care business, as well as growth in our Precision Parts initiative and our AutoNation branded collision centers.”