SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — Jonathan Ord, DealerSocket’s CEO for the last 17 years, is stepping into a new role within the company he co-founded in 2001 with CPO Brad Perry. Replacing him as CEO is Sejal Pietrzak, who also holds the title of president.

According to the company, Ord is not retiring. Instead, he selected Pietrzak to replace him as the firm’s chief executive so he could pursue other entrepreneurial interests. He will remain a strategic investor in the company and will be an active member of the company’s board of directors.

“I am particularly excited to support Sejal and DealerSocket’s leadership as a continuing investor and board member,” said Ord. “My interactions with Sejal have made it abundantly clear to me that she is the right CEO moving forward, as DealerSocket continues to scale and innovate.”

Pietrzak spent the last 12 years in various leadership roles at ACTIVE network, which makes software that helps web users find and register for events online. She most recently served as the software firm's chief administrative officer. Pietrzak also held leadership roles at Wells Fargo & Co., the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Boston Consulting Group.

“I begin my tenure with a company that is in a position of strength,” Pietrzak said. “By staying true to DealerSocket’s high standards and commitment to customer success, I’m confident we will continue to deliver significant value to our customers and win new opportunities in the market.”

In May 2014, DealerSocket entered into a strategic investment partnership with equity firm Vista Equity Partners, which also owns ACTIVE Networks.