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Executive Biographies

James P. Hallett



Chief Executive Officer and Director, KAR Holdings, Inc.

Jim Hallett is chief executive officer and director of KAR Holdings, Inc., a global auction corporation that operates a total auction solution. The company offers a wide range of vehicle remarketing services—from whole car and salvage, to financing, remarketing, technology, inspection and repair services.

As CEO and director, Hallett heads the strategic planning for the entire organization, which includes leading KAR Holdings’ executive management team. In this role, Hallett oversees the development and implementation of the organization’s objectives and identifies synergies across business units to optimize future growth.

Hallett directs all the KAR Holdings businesses, including ADESA, a wholesale used vehicle operation; Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA), a salvage auto auction company; and Automotive Finance Corporation (AFC), a capital funding source for the used vehicle industry.

Hallett joined the company in 1996, relocating from his native Canada to Indianapolis to serve as president and CEO of ADESA. During his time as CEO, ADESA grew from 16 to 53 whole-car auctions and expanded its financing company (AFC) to fully service the industry. He also solidified ADESA’s presence in the remarketing industry by entering the salvage vehicle market in both the U.S. and Canada.

From 2005-2007, Hallett was president of Columbus Fair Auto Auction in Columbus, Ohio. In April 2007, he returned to ADESA in the role of president and CEO. In September 2009, he was promoted to his current role as CEO of KAR Holdings.

Hallett entered the retail automotive business in 1975, and later owned and managed a number of new car franchises. In 1990, he opened Ottawa Auto Dealers Exchange and The Greater Halifax Dealer Exchange.

A graduate of Canada’s Algonquin College, Hallett holds a Dealer Management Certification from General Motors University. He has received several industry awards, including the Ring of Honor from the National Independent Dealers Association. In 2008, he was recognized as Remarketer of the Year at the CAR Conference, and then received the Pioneer Award at the NAAA Conference in recognition of a lifetime of leadership and contribution to the auction industry.