IRVINE, Calif. — Autobytel Inc., an Internet lead and marketing services provider, announced that Michael A. Carpenter has joined the company's board of directors. He will also become a member of Autobytel's audit committee.

Carpenter, 65, is CEO of Ally Financial Inc., and also serves on Ally's board of directors.

"We are honored to welcome Mike to the Autobytel board," said Michael J. Fuchs, chairman of the board of directors. "His broad business, operational and financial experience, most recently in the automotive sector, will serve us well as we continue to leverage strong demand from our manufacturer and retail customers and improving automotive industry conditions."

Prior to joining Ally, Carpenter served as chairman and CEO of Citigroup Alternative Investments, overseeing $60 billion of proprietary capital and customer funds globally. He also founded Southgate Alternative Investments in 2007. Additionally, Carpenter served as chairman and CEO of Citigroup's Global Corporate & Investment Bank, with responsibility for Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and Citibank's global corporate banking activities.