FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — AutoNation Inc. has appointed Carl Liebert as AutoNation’s new president and CEO, effective March 11. Mike Jackson will assume the role of executive chairman of the board.

“AutoNation is the retail automotive industry leader. The company has a coast-to-coast brand, a comprehensive Brand Extension strategy, and a transformational digital consumer car-buying experience,” said Jackson, who has served as the group’s chief executive since 2009. “Carl is a global leader who brings to AutoNation multi-faceted expertise in leading customer-centric transformations, omnichannel digital capabilities, and supply chain logistics. His work in improving store operations has become a model that many companies have emulated. Carl is uniquely qualified to lead AutoNation forward.”

Liebert currently serves as executive vice president and COO of USAA, a Fortune 100 full-service financial services company serving nearly 13 million members. The former U.S. Navy officer also has served in leadership roles with Home Depot, General Electric, and Circuit City.

“AutoNation has a clear strategy that sets it apart in the auto retail sector and diversifies the typical retail business model. The company’s brand extension strategy has given it an edge in what is a cyclical business," Liebert said. "The opportunities that lie ahead for AutoNation are massive, and the ability to lead this next chapter is deeply humbling and exciting. … I am confident in the road ahead, and I am honored to lead this extraordinary company.”