Group 1 Automotive Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Group 1 Automotive has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, marketing, human resources, information technology, and talent management.

Focused on delivering exceptional automotive retail experiences, Group 1 Automotive maintains a commitment to operational excellence across international markets. This leadership team drives sustainable growth through a diversified network of franchised dealerships and comprehensive vehicle service offerings.

Leadership Roles at Group 1 Automotive

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Daryl Kenningham
  • Chief Financial Officer, Region - Robert Kennedy
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer - Shelley Washburn
  • Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer - Rachel Ballard
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - James Druzbik
  • 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 entire international dealership network. Kenningham manages the expansion of franchised operations across the U.S. and U.K. markets, ensuring consistent performance across all retail segments. By aligning corporate objectives with evolving consumer demands for new and used vehicles, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes the company's market position. Daryl Kenningham coordinates with the Board to maintain fiscal health while overseeing the integration of maintenance, repair, and collision services into the broader business model. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of regional performance metrics to drive long-term profitability. Through rigorous oversight of dealership operations, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures competitive advantages in the automotive retail sector. Kenningham fosters a culture of efficiency, ensuring that every dealership delivers high-quality service to customers globally.
    Daryl Kenningham

    Robert Kennedy - Chief Financial Officer, Region

    Robert Kennedy, the Chief Financial Officer, Region at Group 1 Automotive, manages the fiscal integrity and capital allocation strategies for specific regional operations. Kennedy oversees financial reporting, budgeting, and risk management protocols to ensure the stability of the dealership network. By analyzing regional market trends, the Chief Financial Officer, Region identifies opportunities for revenue growth within the U.S. and U.K. territories. Robert Kennedy collaborates with executive leadership to refine pricing strategies for vehicle financing and parts services, directly impacting the bottom line. This role requires precise management of cash flow and investment in dealership infrastructure to support ongoing retail expansion. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer, Region mitigates operational risks while maximizing shareholder value. Kennedy maintains strict adherence to regulatory standards, ensuring that all regional financial activities support the broader corporate mission of providing comprehensive automotive solutions.

    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 identity and customer acquisition strategies across the global dealership footprint. Washburn directs digital marketing initiatives and advertising campaigns designed to increase traffic for new and used vehicle sales. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer enhances the visibility of maintenance, repair, and collision services. Shelley Washburn coordinates with regional teams to ensure marketing efforts resonate with diverse consumer bases in the U.S. and U.K. markets. This leadership role involves optimizing the customer journey from initial digital engagement to final purchase at the dealership. Through innovative promotional strategies, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer drives brand loyalty and market share growth. Washburn continuously refines communication channels to ensure that the company remains the preferred choice for automotive retail and service needs.

    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 operations and strategic communication flow for the human resources department. Ballard manages complex scheduling, documentation, and project coordination to support the executive leadership team in executing talent management initiatives. By streamlining internal processes, the Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that HR policies are effectively communicated across the international dealership network. Rachel Ballard assists in the preparation of reports regarding workforce development and employee engagement metrics. This role involves maintaining high-level organization to support the implementation of training programs for service technicians and sales staff. Through diligent support of the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer contributes to the operational efficiency of the entire organization, ensuring that human capital strategies align with the company's retail goals.

    James Druzbik - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    James Druzbik, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Group 1 Automotive, directs the technological infrastructure and digital transformation efforts across all franchised dealerships. Druzbik oversees the implementation of secure, scalable systems that support vehicle financing, inventory management, and customer service platforms. By integrating advanced software solutions, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer enhances operational efficiency for maintenance, repair, and collision services. James Druzbik manages cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive consumer data across the U.S. and U.K. markets. This leadership role involves collaborating with other C-suite executives to align IT investments with the company's long-term growth objectives. Through the deployment of cutting-edge digital tools, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that the dealership network remains competitive in an increasingly digital automotive retail landscape. Druzbik drives innovation by optimizing internal workflows and improving the overall technological experience for both employees and customers.
    James Druzbik

    Melkeya McDuffie - Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer

    Melkeya McDuffie, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at Group 1 Automotive, designs and executes the global talent strategy to support the company's extensive dealership network. McDuffie oversees recruitment, professional development, and organizational culture initiatives to ensure a high-performing workforce across the U.S. and U.K. markets. By fostering an inclusive environment, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer drives employee retention and satisfaction within the automotive retail sector. Melkeya McDuffie collaborates with leadership to align human capital needs with the operational requirements of vehicle sales and service departments. This role involves implementing comprehensive training programs that empower staff to deliver superior customer service. Through strategic workforce planning, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer ensures that the company maintains a competitive edge by attracting top-tier talent. McDuffie continuously evaluates organizational structures to support the company's mission of providing exceptional automotive retail and maintenance services.
    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 Robert Kennedy (Chief Financial Officer, Region) and Shelley Washburn (Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer).
    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), Robert Kennedy (Chief Financial Officer, Region), Shelley Washburn (Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Group 1 Automotive have?
    Group 1 Automotive has 6 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, Chief Financial Officer, Region, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Vice President & Chief Information Officer.