Industry News & Trends

Chip Perry Leaves AutoTrader.com

Jeff Kershner
Posted onMar 25, 2013 at 10:07 AM
Updated onUpdated on Jan 6, 2020 at 9:10 AM

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

Chip Perry Leaves AutoTrader.com
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?

 

Jeff Kershner
Founder of DealerRefresh - 20+ Years of dealership Sales, Management, Training, Marketing and Leadership.
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    KevinFrye
  • March 25, 2013
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...
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    Edward Shaffer
  • March 25, 2013
Am I the only one who is a little bit stunned by this?
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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!
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    Brian Benstock
  • March 25, 2013
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!
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    Livefyre
  • March 25, 2013
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!
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    Ray Loo
  • March 25, 2013
Best of Luck Chip in your next endeavor, look forward to catching up with you at next conference.
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    Livefyre
  • March 25, 2013
Best of Luck Chip in your next endeavor, look forward to catching up with you at next conference.
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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.
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    914guy
  • March 25, 2013
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!
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    Livefyre
  • March 25, 2013
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!
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    autoconversion08
  • March 25, 2013
Yeh man this is really symbolic. I was just coming into the auto biz when Chip and AT.com formed. The fact that he has been leading such an entity all this time through such a tumultuous era says more about Chip and AutoTrader.com than many of us can imagine. Hats off to Chip!
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    Ron Morrison
  • March 26, 2013
Indeed Chip ushered two marketing revolutions and has helped thousands of people working in the automotive industry to be successful. He's also built a platform that has made it possible for millions of people to find the cars' they're looking for you. Here's to you Chip for a career very well led, and an even greater example. Thank you too for being a good industry friend!
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    Livefyre
  • March 26, 2013
Indeed Chip ushered two marketing revolutions and has helped thousands of people working in the automotive industry to be successful. He's also built a platform that has made it possible for millions of people to find the cars' they're looking for you. Here's to you Chip for a career very well led, and an even greater example. Thank you too for being a good industry friend!
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    Richard Barnettt
  • May 31, 2013
never met a more honest or direct man as chip perry
honor and integrity were resounded in in presence and work at autotrader.com
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    D Rawls
  • July 5, 2013
Chip Perry, what an extraordinary pioneer for automotive internet.  He was succinct about his vision from the first AAISP gathering, and no company can claim as firm a grasp on the business of online car advertising than the one he has led from day one.  Congrats and A Big Championship Trophy Hoist to you Chip.  Certainly all you have added to the people, places, and perspectives throughout automotive internet leaves a legacy well appreciated!

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