Group 1 Automotive Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to customer satisfaction, Group 1 Automotive operates a diversified dealership network across the U.S. and U.K. markets, offering comprehensive automotive retail services and aiming for sustained growth and operational excellence.

Leadership Roles at Group 1 Automotive

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Daryl Kenningham
  • Regional Chief Financial Officer - Allen Grimes
  • Chief Financial Officer, Region - Robert Kennedy
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer - Shelley Washburn
  • 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 strategy and operational execution for the international automotive retailer. Kenningham guides the company's expansion and performance across its franchised dealerships in the U.S. and U.K. markets. This leadership role involves setting the vision for sales, service, and parts operations, ensuring alignment with market demands and financial objectives. Overseeing the entire enterprise, Daryl Kenningham drives initiatives to enhance customer experience and optimize dealership profitability. The focus remains on leveraging the diversified network to achieve sustainable growth and maintain a strong market presence in automotive retail.
    Daryl Kenningham

    Allen Grimes - Regional Chief Financial Officer

    Allen Grimes, the Regional Chief Financial Officer at Group 1 Automotive, manages the financial operations and fiscal health for specific geographic regions within the company's U.S. and U.K. dealership network. Grimes is responsible for financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations. This critical role involves analyzing regional performance metrics, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and driving profitability across multiple franchised locations. Overseeing financial reporting and risk management, Allen Grimes provides essential insights to support strategic decision-making. The focus is on maintaining robust financial controls and optimizing resource allocation to support the company's overall growth objectives in automotive retail.

    Robert Kennedy - Chief Financial Officer, Region

    Robert Kennedy, the Chief Financial Officer, Region at Group 1 Automotive, oversees the financial strategy and performance for designated regional markets within the automotive retail group. Kennedy directs financial planning, analysis, and reporting, ensuring fiscal discipline and profitability across a portfolio of franchised dealerships. This executive responsibility includes managing budgets, optimizing cash flow, and implementing financial controls to mitigate risk. By providing critical financial insights, Robert Kennedy supports executive leadership in making informed decisions regarding market expansion and operational efficiency. The role is integral to maintaining the financial integrity and driving the sustained economic success of Group 1 Automotive's extensive network.

    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 company's comprehensive marketing strategies and brand positioning. Washburn oversees all promotional activities, digital marketing efforts, and customer engagement initiatives designed to drive dealership traffic and sales across the U.S. and U.K. This executive function involves analyzing market trends, identifying new customer acquisition channels, and enhancing brand loyalty. By developing targeted campaigns, Shelley Washburn ensures the effective communication of Group 1 Automotive's value proposition to a broad consumer base. The role is critical in translating marketing insights into tangible business outcomes, supporting revenue growth and market share expansion for the automotive retail network.

    James Druzbik - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    James Druzbik, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Group 1 Automotive, leads the company's technology strategy and digital infrastructure across its U.S. and U.K. operations. Druzbik oversees the implementation and management of IT systems that support sales, service, parts, and administrative functions for the franchised dealership network. This executive function involves ensuring the security, reliability, and scalability of all technology platforms, driving innovation in digital customer experiences. By optimizing IT resources, James Druzbik enhances operational efficiency and supports the company's strategic growth initiatives. The role is pivotal in leveraging technology to maintain a competitive edge in the automotive retail sector.
    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, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development for the international automotive retailer. McDuffie oversees all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and workforce development across the U.S. and U.K. dealership network. This leadership position focuses on cultivating a positive and productive work environment that supports employee engagement and retention. By championing people-centric initiatives, Melkeya McDuffie ensures that Group 1 Automotive attracts and retains top talent, fostering a culture of excellence essential for sustained business success and operational performance.
    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 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, Regional Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Region, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Vice President & Chief Information Officer.