Cars.com to seek successor as product chief Matthew Crawford exits

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Cars.com disclosed a leadership change. Chief Product and Innovation Officer Matthew Crawford notified the company on October 9, 2025 of his intention to resign, effective November 28, 2025. He will support a transition plan while the company begins a search for his successor. The update reflects an orderly handoff of product leadership responsibilities.

Insights

Corporate Governance Analyst

Executive officer resignation disclosed; orderly transition planned. Impact hinges on speed and quality of succession.

Cars.com Inc. reported the resignation of its Chief Product and Innovation Officer, Matthew Crawford, effective November 28, 2025, after notice on October 9, 2025. He will support a transition while the company begins a search for a successor. This is a leadership change in a core function that influences product direction and innovation cadence.

The filing outlines an orderly process but does not name an interim or successor. That suggests continuity depends on the transition plan’s execution and the timing of a replacement. There is no disclosure of disagreements or other issues; the stated reason is pursuing another opportunity outside the company.

Key items to watch: a successor announcement, any updates on organizational coverage of product/innovation during the gap, and whether the company provides timing milestones before or after November 28, 2025. These disclosures will clarify operational continuity and governance stability in the near term.

8-K Event Classification

Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers

1 item

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers Governance

Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.

Understanding 8-K Material Events →

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 09, 2025

Cars.com Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware			001-37869	81-3693660
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)			(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)
300 S. Riverside Plaza
Chicago, Illinois				60606
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)				(Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: 312 601-5000

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock		CARS		The New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

Departure of Matthew Crawford as Chief Product and Innovation Officer

On October 9, 2025, Matthew Crawford, Chief Product and Innovation Officer, notified Cars.com Inc. (the “Company”) of his intention to resign from the Company, effective November 28, 2025, to pursue another opportunity outside of the Company. Mr. Crawford will support the transition plan while the Company initiates a search for his successor.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

			Cars.com Inc.
Date:	October 14, 2025	By:	/s/ Angeligue Strong Marks
			Angeligue Strong Marks Chief Legal Officer

FAQ

What did Cars.com (CARS) announce in this 8-K?

Cars.com reported that Chief Product and Innovation Officer Matthew Crawford will resign, effective November 28, 2025.

When did Matthew Crawford notify Cars.com of his resignation?

He notified the company on October 9, 2025.

What is the effective date of Matthew Crawford’s resignation from Cars.com?

His resignation is effective November 28, 2025.

Will Matthew Crawford assist with the transition at Cars.com?

Yes. He will support the transition plan while the company searches for a successor.

Has Cars.com named a successor for the Chief Product and Innovation Officer role?

No successor was named; the company will initiate a search.

What is Matthew Crawford’s current title at Cars.com?

He is the Chief Product and Innovation Officer.