DALLAS – DealerSocket, Inc., a leading software provider to the automotive industry, announced the appointment of Tony T. Graham as executive vice president and general manager of its Auto/Mate business unit. Graham brings a proven track record of success, experience, and leadership working with automotive dealerships to his new role.
These are important times in the industry, and the combination of DealerSocket with Auto/Mate offers dealers a full platform solution with deep focus on customer support and innovative software.
Graham served in various leadership roles during his 26 years with CDK Global and ADP Dealer Services, including vice president of sales, multiple regional general manager roles, and chief customer experience officer.
“I am thrilled to welcome Tony to DealerSocket and our executive team,” said DealerSocket CEO and President Sejal Pietrzak. “Tony has a deep understanding of and experience in the automotive retail industry, especially the DMS space, and he shares our commitment to our dealers and team members. Tony will be a tremendous leader of our Auto/Mate business unit."
Credited with successfully launching CDK's Minority Dealer Business in 1999 and running the program until last year, Graham also served as executive sponsor of the company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. In 2019, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD).
"I've known Tony for well over 20 years. He has a tremendous amount of integrity and empathy for his dealership customers and just has a real passion for whatever he's doing,” said Ernest Hodge, CEO and President of Atlanta-based March/Hodge Automotive Group. “I have been thoroughly impressed with him throughout his entire career. He's just outstanding."
Graham now joins DealerSocket as executive vice president and general manager of Auto/Mate, which DealerSocket acquired in February 2020 to offer dealers a comprehensive new choice for an all-in-one, intelligent software platform for their dealerships.
“The two things I’m most proud of are the number of employees I helped develop and grow as their mentor, and that I have been dedicated to supporting automotive dealerships from the smallest to the largest operations. My focus has always been on customer relationships and service, and that matches DealerSocket’s and Auto/Mate’s commitment to customer service for dealers,” Graham said. "These are important times in the industry, and the combination of DealerSocket with Auto/Mate offers dealers a full platform solution with deep focus on customer support and innovative software. I’m excited to get started with DealerSocket.”
