Lithia Motors (LAD) restructures technology leadership as George Hines transitions

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Lithia Motors, Inc. announced an organizational change in its technology leadership. The company is shifting its information technology and technology teams to align more closely with the businesses, customers, and products they support. As part of this shift, George Hines will transition from his role as Senior Vice President, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer, effective March 1, 2026. Core technology functions will instead report to Tina Miller, Chief Financial Officer, and Dianna du Preez, Chief Customer Officer. Hines will remain with the company in a non-executive role and continue serving on the Pinewood.AI public board.

LITHIA MOTORS INC0001023128false00010231282026-02-132026-02-13

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

February 13, 2026

Date of Report (date of earliest event reported)

Lithia Motors, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Oregon			001-14733						93-0572810
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)			(Commission File Number)						(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
150 N. Bartlett Street			Medford			Oregon			97501
(Address of principal executive offices)									(Zip Code)

(541) 776-6401

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

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 (see General Instruction A.2. below):

☐ 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 without par value

LAD

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

Lithia Motors, Inc. (the "Company") is implementing a focused shift to align its information technology and technology teams more closely with the businesses, customers, and products they support. As part of this alignment, George Hines will transition from his role as the Company’s Senior Vice President, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer, effective as of March 1, 2026 (the “Transition Date”). Going forward, the core technology functions will now report under Tina Miller, Chief Financial Officer, and Dianna du Preez, Chief Customer Officer.

To support an orderly transition, Mr. Hines will remain with the Company in a non-executive role. Mr. Hines will continue his work on the Pinewood.AI public board of directors, fulfilling his passion to create technology that can improve our industry and our customer experiences. The Company thanks Mr. Hines for his leadership and contributions during his tenure.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit No.			Description
104			Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

SIGNATURE

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.

Date: February 13, 2026			LITHIA MOTORS, INC.
			Registrant
			By:			/s/ Tina Miller
						Tina Miller
						Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President, and Principal Accounting Officer

FAQ

What leadership change did Lithia Motors (LAD) disclose in this 8-K?

Lithia Motors disclosed that George Hines will transition from his role as Senior Vice President, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer, effective March 1, 2026. He will remain with the company in a non-executive role while technology functions shift under other senior leaders.

When does George Hines step down as Chief Innovation and Technology Officer at Lithia Motors (LAD)?

George Hines will step down as Senior Vice President, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer effective March 1, 2026. After that date, he will stay with Lithia Motors in a non-executive capacity to support an orderly transition of responsibilities.

Who will oversee core technology functions at Lithia Motors (LAD) after the transition?

After the transition, core technology functions at Lithia Motors will report to Tina Miller, Chief Financial Officer, and Dianna du Preez, Chief Customer Officer. This reflects a focused shift to align technology more closely with business operations, customers, and products.

Will George Hines remain involved with Lithia Motors (LAD) after leaving his executive role?

Yes. George Hines will remain with Lithia Motors in a non-executive role to support an orderly transition. He will also continue his work on the Pinewood.AI public board, focusing on technology that can improve the automotive retail experience.

Why is Lithia Motors (LAD) changing its technology leadership structure?

Lithia Motors is changing its technology leadership structure to align information technology and technology teams more closely with the businesses, customers, and products they support. This includes shifting reporting lines for core technology functions to senior leaders overseeing finance and customer experience.

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