Group 1 Automotive Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Group 1 Automotive has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, financial oversight, marketing, and human resources.

Focused on delivering excellence in international automotive retail, Group 1 Automotive maintains a robust network of franchised dealerships across the U.S. and U.K. markets to drive long-term value.

Leadership Roles at Group 1 Automotive

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Daryl Kenningham
  • Regional Chief Financial Officer - Allen Grimes
  • Chief Financial Officer, Region - Robert Kennedy
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - James Druzbik
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer - Shelley Washburn
  • Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer - Rachel Ballard
  • Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer - Melkeya McDuffie
  • Daryl Kenningham - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Daryl Kenningham, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Group 1 Automotive, directs the overarching strategic vision for the international automotive retail enterprise. Kenningham manages the expansion of franchised dealership operations across the U.S. and U.K. markets, ensuring consistent growth in new and used vehicle sales. By aligning corporate objectives with operational performance, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes the delivery of financing, maintenance, and collision services. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to enhance shareholder value and market positioning. Through rigorous oversight of the diversified dealership network, Daryl Kenningham maintains high standards of operational efficiency. The President & Chief Executive Officer prioritizes sustainable revenue streams while navigating complex global automotive trends. Ultimately, Kenningham secures the competitive advantage of the organization by fostering a culture of performance and excellence across all regional business units.
    Daryl Kenningham

    Allen Grimes - Regional Chief Financial Officer

    Allen Grimes, the Regional Chief Financial Officer at Group 1 Automotive, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation for specific dealership clusters within the U.S. market. Grimes oversees financial reporting, budgeting, and cost-control initiatives to ensure profitability across the assigned regional portfolio. By analyzing performance metrics related to vehicle sales, parts services, and collision repairs, the Regional Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for margin expansion. This leadership role involves providing critical financial insights to the executive team to support strategic growth and resource optimization. Allen Grimes maintains rigorous compliance with accounting standards while driving operational efficiency at the dealership level. Through the management of regional financial assets, the Regional Chief Financial Officer ensures the stability of the broader corporate balance sheet. Grimes ultimately supports the company's mission by delivering precise financial oversight that enables sustainable growth and long-term success in the automotive retail sector.

    Robert Kennedy - Chief Financial Officer, Region

    Robert Kennedy, the Chief Financial Officer, Region at Group 1 Automotive, directs the financial strategy for international dealership operations, focusing primarily on the U.K. market. Kennedy manages regional cash flow, tax planning, and investment strategies to support the company's diversified retail model. By monitoring the financial performance of franchised dealerships, the Chief Financial Officer, Region ensures alignment with global corporate objectives. This leadership role requires constant evaluation of market risks and economic conditions to protect the organization's capital. Robert Kennedy collaborates with regional managers to improve the profitability of maintenance, repair, and parts services. Through the implementation of disciplined financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer, Region optimizes operational expenditures and enhances regional revenue growth. Kennedy ultimately provides the fiscal leadership necessary to sustain the company's international footprint and competitive standing within the global automotive retail landscape.

    James Druzbik - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    James Druzbik, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Group 1 Automotive, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the company's vast network of franchised dealerships. Druzbik manages the integration of advanced retail technologies to streamline vehicle sales, financing, and maintenance services across U.S. and U.K. operations. By modernizing data systems, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer enhances the customer experience and improves operational transparency. This leadership role requires close coordination with other C-suite members to align technological investments with long-term business goals. James Druzbik drives the digital transformation of the automotive retail model, ensuring secure and scalable platforms for all dealership locations. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols and data analytics, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer supports informed decision-making. Druzbik ultimately strengthens the technological foundation necessary for maintaining a dominant market position in the competitive automotive industry.
    James Druzbik

    Shelley Washburn - Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

    Shelley Washburn, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Group 1 Automotive, architects the brand strategy and customer acquisition programs for the company's international dealership network. Washburn manages marketing campaigns that promote new and used vehicle sales, as well as financing and maintenance services across U.S. and U.K. markets. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer enhances brand visibility and customer loyalty. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional teams to ensure consistent messaging and effective lead generation. Shelley Washburn drives the digital marketing initiatives that connect the company with a diverse consumer base. Through the optimization of advertising spend and promotional activities, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer supports the growth of the dealership portfolio. Washburn ultimately strengthens the market presence of the organization by crafting compelling narratives that highlight the value of the company's automotive services.

    Rachel Ballard - Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

    Rachel Ballard, the Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Group 1 Automotive, facilitates the administrative and operational workflows for the human resources department. Ballard manages the scheduling, communication, and project coordination required to support the company's workforce strategy across U.S. and U.K. dealership locations. By organizing executive priorities, the Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the efficient execution of talent management and employee development programs. This leadership role involves maintaining high-level documentation and supporting the implementation of corporate culture initiatives. Rachel Ballard coordinates with various departments to streamline internal processes and improve organizational communication. Through the management of critical administrative functions, the Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer enables the leadership team to focus on strategic human capital goals. Ballard ultimately contributes to the operational success of the company by ensuring the seamless functioning of the human resources office.

    Melkeya McDuffie - Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer

    Melkeya McDuffie, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at Group 1 Automotive, directs the human capital strategy for the entire international organization. McDuffie manages talent acquisition, employee retention, and organizational development programs across the U.S. and U.K. dealership network. By fostering a high-performance culture, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the company's mission of providing exceptional automotive retail services. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training initiatives to improve the skills of staff in sales, maintenance, and collision repair. Melkeya McDuffie collaborates with the executive team to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion policies that drive employee engagement. Through the management of compensation and benefits structures, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer supports the long-term stability of the workforce. McDuffie ultimately strengthens the company's competitive position by cultivating a talented and motivated team capable of delivering superior customer service.
    Melkeya McDuffie

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Group 1 Automotive Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Group 1 Automotive?
    Group 1 Automotive is led by Daryl Kenningham (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Allen Grimes (Regional Chief Financial Officer) and Robert Kennedy (Chief Financial Officer, Region).
    Who is part of Group 1 Automotive’s executive team?
    The executive team of Group 1 Automotive includes leaders such as Daryl Kenningham (President & Chief Executive Officer), Allen Grimes (Regional Chief Financial Officer), Robert Kennedy (Chief Financial Officer, Region) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Group 1 Automotive have?
    Group 1 Automotive has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Group 1 Automotive’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Group 1 Automotive includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Regional Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Region, Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.