IRVINE, Calif. — AutoAlert, a provider of cloud-based data mining analytics and dealer portfolio management solutions, has named Brian Skutta as its new CEO and appointed Akshaya Mehta to the newly created position of chief technology officer.
Boyd Warner, who served as CEO since co-founding the company in 2002, becomes co-chairman alongside Steve Young.
“I am delighted to welcome Brian and Akshaya to AutoAlert at this exciting time in the company’s evolution,” Warner said. “Brian has outstanding leadership skills, strategic vision and a strong track record that will help take AutoAlert forward, while Akshaya’s expertise will be critical to the continued enhancement of our industry-leading technology platform.”
Skutta has more than a decade of experience and a proven history of successfully managing growth at Cox Automotive, officials said. Following positions in business development, management and finance, Skutta led the strategic planning and execution of the Autotrader.Com Trade-In Marketplace, where he held the title senior director and general manager.
Skutta then ran VinSolutions LLC, a founder-owned SaaS Customer Relationship Management solutions company acquired by AutoTrader.com. As vice president and general manager, he matured and scaled operations of the business, strengthened the management team, and doubled the company’s revenue in less than two and a half years. In addition, he oversaw the acquisition of Haystak Digital Marketing LLC, a founder-owned business and “tuck-in” acquisition to VinSolutions LLC that operates under its own brand.
“AutoAlert’s advanced analytics and training capabilities have reshaped how dealers can strategically and effectively engage their customers to create more sales and vehicle acquisition opportunities,” Skutta said. “I look forward to working with the team to continue to build on AutoAlert’s success in driving the massive opportunity that technology solutions create for our industry.”
Mehta brings more than 20 years of technology management and executive experience in the auto industry. Prior to AutoAlert, Mehta served as executive vice president of Technology and Strategic Planning of Vintek Corp., where he led the M&A effort that resulted in the sale of Vintek to Dealertrack. His previous auto industry experience includes tenures as EVP and COO of American Driving Records and vice president of product development and e-commerce services for the Dealer Services Division of ADP.
“Since HGGC’s investment, AutoAlert has continued its tremendous growth trajectory,” said Steve Young, co-chairman of the board of AutoAlert and managing partner of HGGC. “I have no doubt that the addition of Brian and Akshaya will help accelerate the Company’s success in delivering best-in-class solutions.”
