Carmel, IN, and Bowling Green, KY, June 21, 2022 – America’s Auto Auction announces the promotion of Karol Kirby Ahmed to General Manager of America’s Auto Auction Bowling Green.
“Karol joined America’s Auto Auction in 2017. Her rich auction lineage evolved from her family’s auction business in South Central Kentucky and Middle Tennessee,” said Cam Hitchcock, CEO at America’s Auto Auction. “Her late father, Ron Kirby, Sr., served as auctioneer to numerous organizations and was a well-beloved figure in the auction industry.”
Laura Taylor, Senior Vice President at America’s Auto Auction adds, “I am so excited to have Karol taking the lead at our Bowling Green location. Her years of auction experience are impeccable, and the cheering crowd when I made the announcement was more proof that she is the right leader for this location.”
Local media followed the announcement, and Kentucky NBC affiliate WNKY television ran a story on the women-lead auction: https://www.wnky.com/goodbye-gender-barriers-bg-car-wholesaler-all-women-lead/
The intro to reporter Meghann Stamps’ story states, “America’s Auto Auction Bowling Green is unintentionally breaking gender barriers. While many men work in their fleet and sales departments, it just so happens their lot operations manager, office manager, controller, logistics manager, and regional vice president are occupied by women.”
“We are still maneuvering the era between a male-oriented industry and the evolving concepts of equality and inclusion,” said Laura Taylor. “My years in the industry have seen a great positive change in how women are valued and the breaking down of gender barriers at auto auctions.”
A Western Kentucky University graduate, Karol Kirby Ahmed also completed the Certified Auctioneers Institute at Indiana University. Her award-winning marketing and co-ownership of Kirby Auto Auction underlines her advantage as general manager at America’s Auto Auction Bowling Green.
Ahmed summarizes, “This iconic auto auction in Bowling Green, Kentucky is rich in history and success. I look forward to advancing it further with the aid of our exceptional team! I am honored and excited to dive into this opportunity.”
About America’s Auto Auction | XLerate Group Auctions
America’s Auto Auction joined with the XLerate Group Auctions in December 2021, creating the third largest auction group in the country. Based in Carmel, IN, America’s Auto Auctions facilitate the selling and buying of vehicles via 39 physical auction sites across 19 states. The company’s daily mission is simple and straightforward: provide the highest quality service and operational execution for dealers and institutional customers. America’s Auto Auction is a leading vehicle auction provider owned by affiliates of Brightstar Capital Partners (“Brightstar”).
XLerate Group Contact
Cam Hitchcock, CEO
[email protected]
(317) 689-7927
About Brightstar Capital Partners
Brightstar Capital Partners is a private equity firm focused on partnering with exceptional families, founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams where the firm is ideally positioned to drive value creation. Brightstar employs an operationally intensive approach that leverages its extensive experience and relationship network to help companies reach their full potential. For more information, please visit https://brightstarcp.com.
