#United States #Chicago #Cars.com #Hartmann #Vetter

Cars.com Inc. Announces Leadership Transition

In a significant move set to transforming the automotive industry's digital landscape, Cars.com Inc. has revealed the appointment of Tobias "Tobi" Hartmann as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This change will take effect on January 15, 2026, marking the culmination of a carefully structured CEO succession process that reflects the company's strategic vision for the future. Hartmann will be stepping into the role formerly held by Alex Vetter, who has been at the helm of the company since 2014 and has played a crucial role in its evolution from a classified ads platform to a comprehensive digital SaaS (Software as a Service) provider.

Hartmann is no stranger to leading high-performance teams and scaling businesses effectively. With over 25 years of diverse experience in the technology, eCommerce, and marketplace sectors, he comes from a successful stint as CEO and Chairman of the Management Board for Scout24 SE Group. This organization oversees ImmoScout24, a prominent European digital real estate marketplace. His leadership there has been noted for its impactful transformation, increased revenue, and margin enhancement.

Prior to his role at Scout24, Hartmann served as the President for the U.S. operations of HelloFresh SE, where he was instrumental in propelling the company to the forefront of the global food solutions market. His previous experience also includes pivotal contributions in the formation of eBay Enterprise from eBay Inc., setting up robust service solutions for omnichannel and commerce technologies.

As Scott Forbes, Chairman of the Board at Cars.com, stated: "Tobi brings strong sector experience and a proven track record of growing businesses to deliver meaningful customer, consumer and shareholder value." This endorsement from Forbes highlights the board's confidence in Hartmann's leadership as a catalyst for the company’s future initiatives.

Hartmann expressed his gratitude towards the Board of Directors, stating, "I am truly grateful for the opportunity to build on the strong foundation and work to accelerate the growth profile of Cars Commerce." He emphasized the exciting potential of leveraging digital tools, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to enhance competitiveness in the automotive retail and wholesale sector. Hartmann's vision aligns with the current market trends that emphasize a data-centric approach to customer engagement and operational efficiency.

Alex Vetter, the outgoing CEO, has been a cornerstone in Cars.com’s journey since its inception in 1998. Vetter has overseen numerous transformations within the company, making it one of the most recognized automotive marketplace brands in the United States. Under his leadership, Cars.com transitioned from an affiliate model to a robust vertical SaaS platform, integrating various capabilities through strategic acquisitions. Notable enhancements include the addition of Dealer Inspire websites, integration of AccuTrade appraisal technology, and the establishment of DealerClub for dealer-to-dealer transactions.

Reflecting on his tenure, Vetter remarked, "It has been an honor to lead this organization through many transitions. I am excited to pass the reins to Tobi to drive further growth of the company. Cars.com has been a pioneer in the online car shopping experience - from developing the first mobile application to establishing the largest dealer review platform."

Vetter will continue to play a supportive role during the transition period as an advisor until March 31, 2026, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities. His commitment to fostering a thriving automotive retail ecosystem and advocating for dealers has set a strong precedent for Hartmann’s upcoming leadership.

With this transition, Cars.com is poised not only to maintain its industry leadership but also to push beyond its existing boundaries into a new era of innovation, driven by Hartmann’s expertise and the existing framework laid out by Vetter.

Cars Commerce is dedicated to simplifying car buying and selling processes for consumers, leveraging cutting-edge technology and AI-driven solutions. As Hartmann prepares to embark on this new chapter, the expectations are high for continued growth and transformative impact on the automotive technology landscape.

For further details about Cars Commerce and their initiatives, visit www.carscommerce.inc.