Chip Perry Leaves AutoTrader.com

[Jeff Kershner]

This morning, AutoTrader.com announced the departure of Chip Perry as Chief Executive Officer of AutoTrader Group.



Chip Perry Leaves AutoTrader.com

He was AutoTrader.com’s first employee in 1997. Since then, AutoTrader.com has grown to become the world’s largest automotive marketplace, and Perry has become widely recognized as a pioneer of the online automotive industry. Chip led the company through the acquisitions af Kelley Blue Book, vAuto, HomeNet Automotive, and in 2011, VinSolutions through 2010-2011.

I've spoken to Chip many times over different industry events and dinners. Despite some of the publicized opinions of AutoTrader.com that would run rampant here on DealerRefresh, Chip was always a gentlemen and would go out of his way to say Hello.

Who is and/or what is next for AutoTrader.com?

 

 

[KevinFrye (blog)]

I agree. I have met Chip several times and he was always pleasant, polite, and a real gentleman. I found him to be very sincere in being willing to listen to the needs of dealerships, even though there were certainly times we disagreed. Best of luck Chip, I'm sure you have something exciting in store...

 

[Edward Shaffer]

Am I the only one who is a little bit stunned by this?

 

[Brian Benstock (blog)]

Chip has changed the way an industry works- his acquisitions
and leadership has brightened the lives of consumers and dealers.
 My hat is off to this industry giant!

 

[Brian Benstock (blog)]

Chip has changed the way an industry works- his acquisitions and leadership has brightened the lives of consumers and dealers.
My hat is off to this industry giant!

 

[Livefyre]

Chip has changed the way an industry works- his acquisitions and leadership has brightened the lives of consumers and dealers.
My hat is off to this industry giant!

 

[Ray Loo]

Best of Luck Chip in your next endeavor, look forward to catching up with you at next conference.

 

[Livefyre]

Best of Luck Chip in your next endeavor, look forward to catching up with you at next conference.

 

[DigiMarketeer]

Chip is one of the founders of automotive digital marketing and a major force in shaping the business world we live in today.  I was always impressed with his strategic mind.  He is a master of using research to advance both industry understanding of consumer behavior and Autotrader's interests.  And, as others have noted, he was the consummate gentleman - approachable and courteous to dealers and competitors alike.  I, and my peers at Cobalt, wish him well.

 

[914guy]

This was some tough news to swallow today.  Chip is a consummate professional and a tremendous visionary, and a great guy to be around.  With the years and years of success under his belt he seemed to know every employee's name and a little personal piece about them and went out of his way to make you feel welcomed.  
Best of luck to Chip in his next venture.  I hope it consists of a bit of rest though because he hasn't stopped since the 90s!