Automotive retailer Lithia & Driveway (NYSE: LAD) has appointed Scott Cooke as president of operations, effective immediately. Cooke, who previously served as senior vice president of operations at Toyota Financial Services, will oversee Southeastern and South Central store operations, Driveway Finance Corporation, and the Finance & Insurance divisions.
Cooke brings 25 years of experience in automotive finance and operations to the role, including oversight of more than $150 billion in managed assets during his tenure at Toyota Financial Services. His appointment follows the planned 2027 retirement of Chuck Lietz, current leader of Driveway Finance Corporation.
Bryan DeBoer, president and CEO of Lithia & Driveway, stated, "Scott is a perfect cultural fit and proven leader with deep operational expertise, a customer-first mindset, and an impressive track record of delivering results." Cooke will join senior operations leaders Mike Cavanaugh, Bryan Osterhout, and Neil Williamson in the company's executive structure.
