Group 1 Automotive Welcomes Melkeya McDuffie as Chief Human Resources Officer

Group 1 Automotive Welcomes a New Leader in Human Resources

In a significant development for the automotive industry, Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a prominent Fortune 250 retailer with a vast network of 259 dealerships across the United States and the United Kingdom, has announced the appointment of Melkeya McDuffie as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. This appointment, effective from August 11, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the company's commitment to fostering a robust people-centric organizational culture.

Melkeya McDuffie comes to Group 1 with over two decades of extensive experience in human resources leadership, having played pivotal roles in various sectors and companies. Her track record demonstrates her ability to craft and implement effective strategies designed to attract, develop, and retain top talent that organizations need for sustainable growth and profitability.

The announcement was made by Daryl Kenningham, the President and CEO of Group 1 Automotive, who expressed his enthusiasm about McDuffie's vision. He stated, "Melkeya shares our vision that developing a strong, people-first culture is the key to building an agile organization that delivers on its business objectives across geographies. Her experience building high-performing cultures and creativity will support our focus on operational excellence and enhancing our recruitment efforts to attract innovative thinkers."

Prior to this role, McDuffie served as the Chief People Officer at Bright Horizons, a global leader in early education and workforce solutions, managing a workforce of 30,000 across multiple countries. Her substantial experience further includes a tenure as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Clean Harbors, North America’s largest environmental and hazardous waste disposal firm, overseeing 20,000 employees.

Additionally, McDuffie's resume boasts a significant position as Chief Human Resources Officer at The Wallace Foundation, one of the foremost philanthropic organizations in the U.S. Her career in HR began at Waste Management, where she advanced through various talent management roles, ultimately becoming the Vice President of Human Resources. Furthermore, she has held senior HR positions with notable companies like Wells Fargo Mortgage, HSBC Finance Corporation, and Quest Diagnostics.

Her educational background is equally impressive, holding a B.A. in Business and an M.B.A. from York St. John University in York, England. She has also participated in advanced executive programs at prestigious institutions like Harvard Business School, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

McDuffie is not only recognized for her professional contributions but has also been honored with multiple prestigious awards, such as the titles of "Most Powerful and Influential Women" and "Most Powerful Businesswomen in Texas" by the National Diversity Council, as well as being recognized as one of the "Most Influential Black Women to Follow" by CIO Views. Additionally, she has been featured among the "HR Superstars" by HRO Today Magazine for her outstanding contributions to the field.

Group 1 Automotive, which operates 259 dealerships and 324 franchises, is poised to benefit from McDuffie's leadership expertise as it looks to enhance its brand presence and operational efficiency. The company's offerings encompass the sale of both new and used vehicles, financing arrangements, service contracts, and automotive maintenance and repair services.

As Group 1 Automotive embarks on this new chapter under McDuffie's guidance, the industry eagerly anticipates how her strategic vision for human resources will shape the company’s culture, drive performance, and elevate employee engagement, fostering an environment where innovation and excellence thrive. With a firm belief in the significance of a people-centric approach, McDuffie's leadership is set to be a transformative force within the organization.

More information about Group 1 Automotive can be found on their various platforms including Group 1 Corporate, Group 1 Automotive, and Group 1 Collision.