Cars.com Names Sarah Kettler Chief Marketing Officer

Cars.com (NYSE:CARS) appointed Sarah Kettler as Chief Marketing Officer, effective June 15, 2026.

Rhea-AI Summary

Cars.com (NYSE:CARS) appointed Sarah Kettler as Chief Marketing Officer, effective June 15, 2026. She will lead integrated marketing and communications to strengthen the brand, deepen customer engagement, drive growth and support long-term strategy.

Kettler previously led marketing at SeatGeek and held roles at WME-IMG and Deloitte Consulting.

Argus Jun 12 session

-0.84% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – CARS

On Jun 12, the first trading day after this news, CARS closed 0.84% below the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Jun 12 session.

Market Context

This announcement centers on appointing a new Chief Marketing Officer effective June 15, 2026, empha...

Analysis

This announcement centers on appointing a new Chief Marketing Officer effective June 15, 2026, emphasizing brand building, demand generation, and use of artificial intelligence in marketing. In recent months, CARS reported profitable Q1 2026 results with $180.2M revenue and boosted its repurchase target to $90M, alongside AI product launches and cost-savings initiatives. Investors may watch how this leadership change integrates with ongoing digital and marketplace strategies and whether it supports the company’s longer-term growth and branding objectives.

Key Figures

CMO start date: June 15, 2026

CMO start date

June 15, 2026

Effective date for Sarah Kettler as Chief Marketing Officer

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 07

5 events

1. May 07

   Q1 2026 earnings

   24h Move

   +10.2%

   Earnings beat guidance with improved profitability and higher repurchase target.

2. Apr 27

   AI product launch

   24h Move

   -0.7%

   Launch of AI-powered video ad solution with strong lift metrics reported.

3. Apr 09

   Buyback update

   24h Move

   +7.3%

   Raised share repurchase target and outlined cost-savings and AI initiatives.

4. Apr 07

   Best value awards

   24h Move

   +4.4%

   Announced 2026 Best Value New Cars list and new-car pricing data.

5. Apr 07

   Model awards

   24h Move

   +4.4%

   Recognized Hyundai models with 2026 Best Value New Car awards.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

artificial intelligence, oems

2 terms

artificial intelligence technical

"We're at an exciting moment where artificial intelligence and technology are rapidly changing"

Artificial intelligence is the ability of computers and machines to perform tasks that typically require human thinking, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, or making decisions. For investors, it matters because AI can enhance efficiency, uncover new insights, and enable smarter strategies, potentially impacting the value and performance of companies that develop or utilize this technology.

oems technical

"enable efficient growth for dealers and OEMs."

OEMs, or Original Equipment Manufacturers, are companies that produce the main components or products that other companies use to build finished goods. For investors, OEMs are important because their performance can influence the supply chain, manufacturing costs, and overall market trends in industries like technology, automotive, and electronics. Their success often reflects broader economic health and consumer demand.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Veteran marketplace leader with track record of scaling modern brands, driving demand and accelerating business performance joins executive team to help shape company's next chapter

CHICAGO, June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Car-shopping marketplace Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS) today announced the appointment of Sarah Kettler as Chief Marketing Officer, effective June 15, 2026. In her role, Kettler will oversee the company's integrated marketing and communications organization, responsible for strengthening the brand, deepening customer engagement, driving growth and advancing the company's long-term strategic objectives. 

Kettler joins from SeatGeek, a ticketing technology marketplace, where she spent a decade leading marketing, most recently as Executive Vice President, Marketing & Communications. During her tenure, she built a performance marketing engine that doubled consumer awareness, strengthened platform value for buyers and sellers, and drove sustained growth — while capturing meaningful share in a crowded market. Prior to SeatGeek, Kettler held strategy and communications roles at WME-IMG and Deloitte Consulting.

"Sarah brings exactly the kind of experience we need at this moment," said Tobi Hartmann, CEO of Cars.com. "She's built and positioned marketplace brands, she understands the dynamics of connecting buyers and sellers at scale, and she knows how to translate brand strategy into real business growth. I'm confident she'll be a strong force as we continue strengthening our position as the most trusted auto marketplace."

Kettler added: "The opportunity to join Cars.com at this inflection point is incredibly compelling. We're at an exciting moment where artificial intelligence and technology are rapidly changing how we can market, but the core of what Cars.com needs to do remains the same: Deliver confident shopping for consumers and enable efficient growth for dealers and OEMs. I look forward to building off the company's strong foundation while helping drive the next chapter of growth."

About Cars.com Inc.

Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS) is a trusted audience-powered and data-driven technology platform that simplifies buying and selling cars. The flagship Cars.com marketplace connects millions of consumers to dealerships across the U.S., powering the car buying experience with artificial intelligence ("AI") shopping tools and comprehensive vehicle reviews and content. Our interconnected ecosystem of products enables dealers and OEMs to sell more cars by efficiently leveraging our marketplace, dealer websites, trade and appraisal tools, and proprietary in-market media solutions. Learn more at www.carscommerce.inc.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carscom-names-sarah-kettler-chief-marketing-officer-302798492.html

SOURCE Cars.com Inc.

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did Cars.com (NYSE:CARS) announce about its new CMO on June 11, 2026?

Cars.com announced the appointment of Sarah Kettler as Chief Marketing Officer, effective June 15, 2026. According to Cars.com, she will oversee integrated marketing and communications to strengthen the brand, drive growth and advance long-term strategic objectives.

When does Sarah Kettler start as Chief Marketing Officer at Cars.com (CARS)?

Sarah Kettler is scheduled to begin as Chief Marketing Officer at Cars.com on June 15, 2026. According to Cars.com, she will immediately lead the company’s integrated marketing and communications organization across brand, customer engagement and growth initiatives.

What is Sarah Kettler’s background before joining Cars.com (CARS) as CMO?

Before joining Cars.com, Sarah Kettler spent a decade at SeatGeek, most recently as EVP, Marketing & Communications. According to Cars.com, she previously held strategy and communications roles at WME-IMG and Deloitte Consulting, focusing on marketplace brands and growth.

What will Sarah Kettler be responsible for as CMO of Cars.com (NYSE:CARS)?

As CMO, Sarah Kettler will oversee Cars.com’s integrated marketing and communications organization. According to Cars.com, her responsibilities include strengthening the brand, deepening customer engagement, driving growth and supporting the company’s long-term strategic objectives in the auto marketplace.

Why did Cars.com (CARS) choose Sarah Kettler as its Chief Marketing Officer?

Cars.com chose Sarah Kettler for her experience building and positioning marketplace brands. According to Cars.com, she has led performance marketing that doubled consumer awareness, strengthened buyer-seller value and supported sustained growth in competitive markets like SeatGeek.