HOUSTON -- Group 1 Automotive, Inc. has appointed Earl J. Hesterberg as CEO, president and as a director of the company.
Hesterberg, 51, most recently served as group vice president, North America Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford Motor Co.
Group 1 Names Hesterberg CEO
HOUSTON -- Group 1 Automotive, Inc. has appointed Earl J. Hesterberg as CEO, president and as a director of the company. Hesterberg, 51, most recently served as group vice president, North America Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford Motor Co.
by Staff
April 11, 20051 min to read
Prior to this position, he served in a similar role for Ford Europe. Hesterberg has also served as president of Gulf States Toyota, as well as held various senior sales, marketing, general management and parts and service positions with Nissan Motor Corp. in the United States.
B.B. Hollingsworth Jr., a co-founder of Group 1, will retire as an executive of the company, but will continue as a member of the board of directors. Hollingsworth has served as chairman of the board since March 1997 and as president, CEO and a director of Group 1 since August 1996.
In addition, the board appointed John L. Adams, the company's current presiding director, as non-executive chairman of the board. Adams has been a member of the board since November 1999.
Group 1 owns 96 automotive dealerships comprised of 142 franchises, 33 brands and 32 collision service centers. Through its dealerships and Internet sites, the company sells new and used cars and light trucks, arranges related financing, vehicle service and insurance contracts, provides maintenance and repair services and sells replacement parts.
Topics:F&I
More F&I
Sponsored•May 8, 2026
Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance
For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.
Read More →
The 90/10 Rule
In this video, Ryan Ruff explains the rule that elite sales professionals use to turn ordinary conversations into unforgettable customer experiences.
Read More →
Your Office Is Talking
What’s the atmosphere saying about you to your customers? You can make minor adjustments and additions that transform your space into one that creates trust with the people on the other side of the desk.
Read More →
F&I Training Fundamentals
How can auto dealerships help F&I managers fulfill their vital role in the most effective ways? Industry expert Rick McCormick shares his insights on the best ways to train these professionals and help them maintain good habits.
Read More →
Not Just Any Tire Will Do
More consumers and businesses are opting for all-season options for various reasons as safety, sustainability and convenience push practical change.
Read More →
How AI Will Drive the Next Wave of Innovation in Finance & Insurance
It’s time to take the next digital step to free F&I managers to handle the most challenging aspects of customer meetings.
Read More →
Control in Sales Is an Illusion
Some of it should be given to the customer, but that doesn’t mean the F&I office relinquishes the process. In fact, a different approach both builds trust and boosts sales.
Read More →
Curb The Confusion
Talk to F&I customers like you’d talk to a friend, without industry lingo or sales-like questions, and use hard proof to show, not tell, them about a need.
Read More →
There Is Always one More Product
Helping F&I customers understand complementary offerings is likely to lead to more sales, based on the success of a high-performing practitioner of the philosophy.
Read More →