1. Tobias Hartmann appointed as CEO of CARS starting January 15, 2026. 2. Hartmann has 25+ years in B2C and B2B tech growth. 3. Alex Vetter, current CEO, will advise until March 2026. 4. Hartmann aims to leverage AI and digital tools for growth. 5. Vetter transformed CARS into a key automotive industry platform.
FAQ
Why Bullish?
The appointment of a seasoned CEO suggests positive future growth, akin to transformative leadership seen in successful tech firms. Historical examples include Amazon's Jeff Bezos and eBay's Meg Whitman driving growth through innovation.
How important is it?
The leadership change is crucial as it signals strategic shifts in the company's direction, impacting investor sentiment and future operations.
Why Long Term?
Leadership transitions typically influence company performance over years, with Hartmann's strategy potentially unfolding after his start date. Previous leadership changes in tech have led to sustained financial growth over several quarters.
Cars Commerce Announces Tobias Hartmann as New CEO, Effective January 15, 2026
Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS), operating as Cars Commerce Inc., has officially named Tobias ("Tobi") Hartmann as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 15, 2026. Hartmann will replace Alex Vetter, who has served as CEO since 2014 and will transition to an advisory role until March 31, 2026. This leadership change is a part of the company's strategic succession plan aimed at ensuring continued growth and innovation.
Tobias Hartmann: A Proven Leader in Digital Growth
With over 25 years of experience in the technology, eCommerce, and marketplace sectors, Hartmann has a robust track record in driving growth and enhancing shareholder value. Most recently, he served as CEO and Chairman of the Management Board for Scout24 SE Group, where he successfully transformed the company's strategy, achieving record levels of revenue and profit margins. His prior roles include President for HelloFresh SE in the U.S., where he established the company as a leader in the food solutions market, and leading the carve-out of eBay Enterprise from eBay Inc.
Leadership Transition: A Smooth and Strategic Plan
Scott Forbes, Chairman of the Board, emphasized Hartmann’s significant sector experience, stating, "Tobi brings strong sector experience and a proven track record of growing businesses to deliver meaningful customer, consumer and shareholder value." This transition comes after a thorough CEO succession process, highlighting the Board's confidence in Hartmann to steer the company toward future growth.
Looking Ahead: Tobi’s Vision for Cars.com
Expressing gratitude to the Board, Hartmann remarked, "I'm excited to build on the strong foundation and accelerate the growth profile of Cars Commerce." He aims to leverage digital tools, data, and AI to empower clients in the automotive retail and wholesale sectors, indicating a strong focus on innovation and competitiveness in the market.
Alex Vetter’s Legacy and Contributions
Alex Vetter, who has been instrumental in Cars.com’s growth since its inception in 1998, played a key role in the company’s transformation from an affiliate classifieds model to a vertical SaaS platform. His leadership has led to several strategic acquisitions, expanding Cars' capabilities, including integrating Dealer Inspire, AccuTrade technologies, and DealerClub transactions.
Reflecting on his tenure, Vetter said, "It has been an honor to lead this organization through many transitions. I'm confident that Tobi will continue our momentum for the next chapter of firsts." Vetter's contributions have solidified Cars.com as a leading brand in the automotive marketplace.
About Cars Commerce
Cars Commerce is a technology-driven company that empowers the automotive industry by simplifying car buying and selling. Their platform integrates powerful solutions and AI-driven technologies across pretail, retail, and post-sale activities, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and profitability. Key brands under the Cars Commerce umbrella include:
- Cars.com - The flagship automotive marketplace and review site
- Dealer Inspire - Digital retail technology and marketing services
- AccuTrade - Trade-in and appraisal technology
- DealerClub - Dealer-to-dealer wholesale auction platform
- Cars Commerce Media Network - Exclusive in-market media solutions
To learn more about Cars Commerce and its offerings, visit www.carscommerce.inc.