Rowley to Retire as President of CNA National, Saunders and Becker Promoted
Thomas Rowley will retire as president and chief executive officer of CNA National Warranty Corporation at the end of December 2002. He also announced the concurrent promotion of his successors: Joan Saunders, who will move from executive vice president to president/CEO; and Joe Becker, currently senior vice president of sales, who will assume the title of chief operating officer.
Saunders, a graduate of Arizona State University, has over 15 years of industry experience. She began her automotive career in 1987 with CNA National (then Western National Warranty Corporation) and has served as executive vice president since 1996.
Becker is an industry veteran who held a wide range of positions before joining the company in 1994. He has led the sales department for more than two years.
As Rowley explains, “Two years ago, I was appointed to this position by CNA to build a better bridge between our operation in Scottsdale and our parent company in Chicago. Today I can say with full confidence that my mission is complete. I am certain the transition will be seamless and I’m thrilled to leave CNA National in such competent hands."
“The people who have been running this company so superbly on a daily basis—Joan, Joe and the entire senior management team—will continue to lead this company to even greater success in the years ahead. I can’t imagine a better scenario for closing out my career at CNA,” he states.
“Tom has been a tremendous asset to CNA National and we are indebted to him for all that he has accomplished,” says Saunders. “Although we will miss him, we understand how much he is looking forward to spending more time with his family.” Rowley and his wife Laurie, both avid skiers, plan to relocate to Colorado, where one of their married children resides.
CNA National provides service contracts to new-car franchised dealers, including its Dealer Equity profit participation and Dealer Equity Re reinsurance programs for high-volume dealers.
CNA has been in business since 1897 and says it is one of the top 10 insurers in North America. The company is based in Chicago.
More F&I
Integrating Nontraditional F&I Products
The niche presents a strategic advantage for auto dealerships as they move to adapt to fast-changing consumer expectations in today’s market.
Read More →
Trust Is Personal
Technology, no matter how efficient, can’t replace what the human F&I manager can do, which is to bridge the divide between cyberspace and the in-store experience.
Read More →
Amplify 2026 Billed as Turning Innovation Into Results
Reynolds and Reynolds says its annual retail summit will connect dealers with practical strategies, peer insight, and technology-driven ideas.
Read More →
Own Your Outcome: F&I in the Digital Customer Journey
Finance has historically been the last step in the car-buying process, but it doesn’t have to be. The customer’s journey starts long before they arrive at the dealership, and so should F&I’s involvement.
Read More →
Tariffs Could Raise Insurance Premiums
As U.S. import tariffs affect repair costs, consumers might find it more affordable to replace a damaged vehicle, according to recent Insurify tariff analysis.
Read More →
Smaller Loans, Longer Terms
The youngest generation of car buyers is more likely to finance less expensive vehicles, more than half of generation Z consumers borrowing less than $25,000.
Read More →
New Lifetime Battery F&I Product Meant to Drive Dealer Traffic
EFG Cos. offering is intended to create lifetime auto dealer engagement with customers.
Read More →
The Psychology Behind Menus That Increase Add-On Sales
There is a science to crafting a menu that gives customers confidence in the choices presented, and moving the process outside the F&I office can further boost results.
Read More →
Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →