Manheim Demonstrates Commitment to Industry by Promoting Trusted Auction Veteran Mike Browning to Lead Industry Operations

With a legacy of leadership and cross-industry insight, Browning will help shape the future of independent auction services, industry partnerships and more.

ATLANTA - September 23, 2025 - Manheim has named Mike Browning, a 20-year Cox Automotive veteran and former president of the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA), as associate vice president of Industry Operations. In this new role, Browning will serve as a strategic liaison between Manheim and its independent auction partners, while also overseeing efforts to support the broader industry. With a career built on trusted leadership, deep industry experience and long-standing relationships, Browning is uniquely positioned to strengthen Manheim's partnerships with auctions and industry organizations.

"The future of our industry depends on bold leadership and strong collaboration," said Grace Huang, president of Inventory Solutions at Cox Automotive. "With Mike at the helm of Industry Operations, we're continuing the kind of forward-thinking partnerships and innovations that have defined Manheim's leadership for more than 80 years-and will shape how auctions operate and thrive in the years ahead."

More about Browning's New Role

Browning's responsibilities include strengthening capabilities for independent auctions and partners in the industry, especially by expanding services across platforms such as OVE and overseeing initiatives in assurance, logistics, mobile inspections and data solutions. Browning will guide operations to ensure Manheim delivers these services seamlessly and effectively.

"Given the pace of change in the auction space, we knew it was critical to have someone who not only understands the industry's past but also has the vision to help shape its future," said Joe Kichler, senior vice president, Digital and Supply Chain at Cox Automotive. "Mike's deep connections and operational know-how make him the right person to lead this collaboration and drive progress with our independent auction partners and industry peers."

Browning's Deep Industry Experience

Browning brings a rare blend of hands-on leadership and industry-wide influence to his new role. At Manheim, he has served as general manager at Manheim New Orleans, Manheim Mississippi, and, since 2014, Manheim San Antonio. Before joining Manheim, he spent 13 years in the retail automotive industry, rising from salesperson to general manager. Browning is a Warren Young Fellow and currently serves on the executive board of the NAAA.

"I'm honored to take on this role and help strengthen the connections between Manheim and our partners," Browning said. "I've worked alongside independent auctions for years and truly understand both their strengths-and the challenges they face. We have an incredible opportunity to align our services with the needs of the industry and drive meaningful progress together."

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive is the world's largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by the largest breadth of first-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive tailors leading solutions for car shoppers, auto manufacturers, dealers, lenders and fleets. The company has 29,000+ employees on five continents and a portfolio of industry-leading brands that include Autotrader®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, vAuto®, Dealertrack®, NextGear Capital™, CentralDispatch® and FleetNet America®. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately owned, Atlanta-based company with $23 billion in annual revenue. Visit coxautoinc.com or connect via @CoxAutomotive on X, CoxAutoInc on Facebook or Cox-Automotive-Inc on LinkedIn.

Media Contacts
Patricia Calloway
678-245-1835
[email protected]

Julie Jackson
404-558-7837
[email protected]