Group 1 Automotive Appoints Dave Kimbell to Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

Group 1 Automotive (NYSE:GPI) appointed David C. (Dave) Kimbell to its Board of Directors, effective August 10, 2026, and named him to the Board’s Audit Committee. His addition increases the Board from nine to ten members.

Kimbell is a veteran retail executive with over 30 years of experience in consumer-focused, omnichannel businesses. He most recently served as CEO of Ulta Beauty, where revenue grew from $6.2 billion in 2020 to $11.3 billion, supported by loyalty program expansion, product assortment, and a unified in-store and digital experience. He previously served as Ulta’s President and Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer and currently sits on Best Buy’s board. According to Group 1 Automotive, his background in customer loyalty, digital retailing, and data-driven strategy is expected to support the company’s customer-focused and omni-channel efforts.

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HOUSTON, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: GPI) ("Group 1" or the "Company") today announced the appointment of David C. Kimbell to its Board of Directors, effective August 10, 2026. He will serve on the Board's Audit Committee. With the addition of Mr. Kimbell, the Board increased in size from nine to ten members.

Mr. Kimbell is a seasoned retail executive with more than 30 years of experience building brands, developing high-performing teams and delivering strategic growth plans across consumer-driven, omnichannel businesses. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Ulta Beauty, the largest specialty beauty retailer in the U.S., with more than 1,500 stores and a rapidly growing e-commerce business. During his tenure as CEO, the company's revenue increased from $6.2 billion in 2020 to $11.3 billion driven by loyalty program expansion, product assortment leadership and a unified guest experience across physical and digital retail. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Mr. Kimbell served as President and Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer of Ulta overseeing functions including merchandising, e-commerce, loyalty, and corporate strategy.

"We are excited to welcome David to our Board," said Charles Szews, Group 1's Non-Executive Chair of the Board. "Throughout his career, he has had the vision to reimagine the retail experience and his track record of building customer loyalty and digital retailing will provide invaluable perspective as our industry and Company continue to evolve."

"I'm honored to join Group 1's Board and am excited to bring my experience to the Company at this dynamic time in automotive retail," said Mr. Kimbell. "I've seen firsthand how pairing a relentless focus on the customer with the intelligent use of data can differentiate a business. The principles that drive great retail are universal, and I look forward to supporting Group 1's customer-focused efforts and helping the Company best position itself for long-term value creation."

Mr. Kimbell currently serves on the Board of Best Buy Co., Inc. He holds a B.A in Economics and Management from DePauw University and an M.B.A from Purdue University.

ABOUT GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
Group 1 owns and operates 249 automotive dealerships, 310 franchises, and 32 collision centers in the United States and the United Kingdom that offer 37 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships and omni-channel platform, the Company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts.

Group 1 discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations at www.group1corp.com, www.group1auto.com, www.group1collision.com, www.acceleride.com, and www.facebook.com/group1auto

Investor contacts:
David Helderman
Senior Manager, Investor Relations
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
ir@group1auto.com 

Media contacts:
Pete DeLongchamps
Senior Vice President, Manufacturer Relations, Financial Services and Corporate Development
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
pdelongchamps@group1auto.com

Kimberly Barta
Head of Advertising, Brand and Communications
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
kbarta@group1auto.com

Or

Jude Gorman / Clayton Erwin
Collected Strategies
Group1-CS@collectedstrategies.com 

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SOURCE Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

FAQ

Who is Dave Kimbell, newly appointed to Group 1 Automotive (NYSE:GPI) board?

Dave Kimbell is an experienced retail executive joining Group 1 Automotive’s Board and Audit Committee effective August 10, 2026. According to Group 1 Automotive, he has more than 30 years in consumer-driven, omnichannel retail, including leadership roles at Ulta Beauty and board service at Best Buy.

What role will Dave Kimbell have on Group 1 Automotive’s Board of Directors?

Dave Kimbell will serve as a director and member of the Audit Committee on Group 1 Automotive’s Board. According to Group 1 Automotive, his appointment increased the Board size from nine to ten members, adding expertise in digital retail, customer loyalty, and data-driven strategy.

What was Dave Kimbell’s track record at Ulta Beauty before joining Group 1 Automotive’s (GPI) board?

As Ulta Beauty’s CEO, Dave Kimbell oversaw revenue growth from $6.2 billion in 2020 to $11.3 billion. According to Group 1 Automotive, this growth was driven by loyalty program expansion, product assortment leadership, and a unified in-store and e-commerce guest experience.

Why did Group 1 Automotive add Dave Kimbell to its Board in August 2026?

Group 1 Automotive added Dave Kimbell to gain expertise in modern retail, customer loyalty, and digital engagement. According to Group 1 Automotive, his experience reimagining retail experiences and using data intelligently is expected to support the company’s omni-channel and customer-focused strategies in automotive retail.

How large is Group 1 Automotive’s dealership footprint mentioned in the August 2026 announcement?

Group 1 Automotive reports operating 249 dealerships, 310 franchises, and 32 collision centers in the U.S. and U.K. According to Group 1 Automotive, these locations represent 37 automotive brands and support sales, financing, service contracts, maintenance, repair services, and parts sales.

What is Dave Kimbell’s educational background as noted by Group 1 Automotive (GPI)?

Dave Kimbell holds a B.A. in Economics and Management from DePauw University and an M.B.A. from Purdue University. According to Group 1 Automotive, this academic background complements his decades of experience leading brand-building, merchandising, marketing, and omnichannel retail strategies.