Group 1 Automotive Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on delivering exceptional automotive retail experiences, Group 1 Automotive maintains a robust international dealership network. The organization prioritizes operational excellence and customer satisfaction across all U.S. and U.K. markets.

Leadership Roles at Group 1 Automotive

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Daryl Kenningham
  • Chief Financial Officer, Region - Robert Kennedy
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - James Druzbik
  • Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer - Rachel Ballard
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer - Shelley Washburn
  • 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 dealership network. Kenningham manages the expansion of franchised operations across the U.S. and U.K. markets, ensuring consistent growth in vehicle sales and service revenue. By aligning departmental goals with long-term profitability, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes the performance of the entire automotive retail portfolio. Daryl Kenningham monitors market trends to maintain a competitive edge in the automotive sector, while simultaneously overseeing the integration of new acquisitions into the existing corporate structure. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the Board to refine business models and enhance shareholder value. Through rigorous oversight of dealership operations, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives efficiency and maintains high standards of service delivery across all global locations, ultimately securing the market position of the company.
    Daryl Kenningham

    Robert Kennedy - Chief Financial Officer, Region

    Robert Kennedy, the Chief Financial Officer, Region at Group 1 Automotive, oversees the financial health and fiscal planning for specific regional operations. Kennedy manages capital allocation, budgeting, and financial reporting to ensure the profitability of franchised dealerships within the assigned territory. By analyzing revenue streams from vehicle sales, financing, and repair services, the Chief Financial Officer, Region identifies opportunities for cost reduction and margin expansion. Robert Kennedy collaborates with regional managers to implement financial controls that maintain compliance and support sustainable growth. This leadership role involves monitoring economic indicators in the U.S. and U.K. markets to adjust financial strategies as needed. Through rigorous fiscal oversight, the Chief Financial Officer, Region provides the data-driven insights necessary for the company to make informed investment decisions, ultimately strengthening the financial performance and competitive standing of the regional dealership network.

    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 dealership network. Druzbik manages the implementation of advanced retail technologies that streamline vehicle financing, maintenance scheduling, and parts inventory management. By modernizing data systems, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity between U.S. and U.K. operations, facilitating real-time reporting and operational transparency. James Druzbik collaborates with executive leadership to deploy cybersecurity protocols that protect sensitive customer information across all digital touchpoints. This role involves evaluating emerging software solutions to improve the efficiency of collision and repair services. Through the strategic application of information technology, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation, enabling the company to deliver superior customer experiences while maintaining a secure and scalable technological foundation for future growth.
    James Druzbik

    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, coordinates the administrative functions that support the human capital strategy. Ballard manages complex scheduling, internal communications, and project tracking for the human resources department, ensuring alignment with the broader organizational goals of the company. By facilitating efficient workflows, the Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer enables the leadership team to focus on talent acquisition, employee development, and retention initiatives across the international dealership network. Rachel Ballard maintains critical documentation and prepares reports that inform workforce planning and organizational culture improvements. This role requires precise attention to detail and proactive problem-solving to support the operational needs of the human resources function. Through effective administrative management, the Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer contributes to the overall stability and productivity of the corporate workforce.

    Shelley Washburn - Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

    Shelley Washburn, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Group 1 Automotive, directs the brand strategy and customer acquisition efforts across the international dealership network. Washburn manages multi-channel marketing campaigns that promote new and used vehicle sales, as well as parts and collision services. By leveraging data analytics to understand consumer behavior in the U.S. and U.K. markets, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer optimizes advertising spend to maximize lead generation and conversion rates. Shelley Washburn collaborates with regional teams to ensure brand consistency and effective local market penetration. This role involves developing digital marketing initiatives that enhance the online customer journey and drive foot traffic to physical dealership locations. Through innovative promotional strategies, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer drives brand awareness and customer loyalty, directly supporting the company's mission to provide a premier automotive retail experience.

    Melkeya McDuffie - Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer

    Melkeya McDuffie, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at Group 1 Automotive, architects the organizational culture and talent management strategies that define the workplace experience. McDuffie manages recruitment, professional development, and employee engagement programs across the international dealership network. By fostering an inclusive environment, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer ensures the company attracts and retains top-tier talent capable of delivering exceptional service in the automotive retail sector. Melkeya McDuffie collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align human capital initiatives with the company's long-term growth objectives. This role involves implementing performance management systems that reward excellence and support career progression for staff in both U.S. and U.K. operations. Through the strategic development of the workforce, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer drives organizational health and operational success, ensuring the company remains a preferred employer in the competitive automotive industry.
    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 James Druzbik (Vice President & Chief Information 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), James Druzbik (Vice President & Chief Information 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, Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Executive Assistant To Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.