Cars Commerce recently announced a major leadership transition for its global automotive platform. Tobias Hartmann will become the new Cars Commerce CEO starting January 15, 2026. He will succeed Alex Vetter, who has served as the chief executive since 2014. Vetter joined the company early in its history, following its 1998 founding. He will now transition into a special advisor role through March 2026. This move ensures a smooth handover of responsibilities. Hartmann will also join the company’s Board of Directors. The board selected him after a comprehensive search. He brings over 25 years of experience in the technology sector.
Driving Growth Through Digital Innovation
Hartmann has a proven track record of scaling large digital marketplaces. He previously served as the CEO and Chairman of Scout24 SE. During his tenure, he transformed the firm’s strategy and achieved record revenue. He also held leadership positions at HelloFresh and eBay Enterprise. His deep expertise in B2B and B2C technology is vital. The company aims to leverage his skills to accelerate its growth profile. This appointment reinforces the commitment to long-term shareholder value. The Cars Commerce CEO transition highlights the brand’s evolution as a digital automotive marketplace and technology platform.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead this organization through many transitions. I am excited to hand the reins to Tobi to drive the company’s further growth. Cars.com was one of the early innovators that spawned the online car shopping experience and pioneered many firsts in the automotive retail industry, from the first mobile app to the largest dealer review platform to enabling operations with digital tools and data,” said Alex Vetter. “I am immensely grateful to the team and to our customers, and I look forward to working with Tobi and our Board as we begin this next chapter for Cars Commerce.”
“I am thrilled to join Cars Commerce at such an important time in its history. The team has built an incredible platform that delivers massive value to car shoppers and sellers alike. I look forward to building on this foundation and leading the company into its next phase of growth,” said Tobias Hartmann.
Ultimately, this leadership change positions the firm for a highly competitive future. The new Cars Commerce CEO will focus on simplifying the car-buying and selling process. This effort will happen across their entire digital ecosystem. The company remains dedicated to empowering local dealerships with advanced technology. This ensures the future of automotive retail stays innovative and efficient.
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Source: PRNewswire
