SALT LAKE CITY — Steven E. Starks has been named CEO of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies, announced the company’s owner and chairman, Gail Miller, and its board of directors, which Starks joins as an executive member. Effective Aug. 12, the move that puts the LHM veteran in charge of long- and short-term strategy for the company, which includes LHM Dealerships, the nation’s eighth-largest auto group.

“Following a rigorous national and internal search, it was apparent to the board and the Miller family that Steve has a deep understanding of and commitment to our company’s 40-year heritage, values and culture,” said Miller. “For more than a decade, he has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities as the head of several of our diverse businesses, leading operations and commercial functions, and prioritizing the customer experience and talent development.

Starks will be leaving his post as president of the NBA’s Utah Jazz and LHM Sports & Entertainment, a position he’s held since 2015. As CEO, Starks will remain actively involved with Jazz basketball operations and continue to serve as an alternate member of the NBA Board of Governors, executives said.

“I believe in the LHM mission to enrich lives and I am humbled and honored to be entrusted with this new responsibility,” Starks said. “I have a strong appreciation for the talented team behind our everyday successes, and I enjoy the diversity of our portfolio and industries. I look forward to working closely with Gail, the board of directors and the Miller family to ensure we operate consistently with our guiding principles, and lead with the future in mind.”