Guiding America’s largest automotive retailer
Michael (Mike) Jackson revolutionized the modern automotive retail industry through his transformation of AutoNation, a model for a successful corporate conglomerate. Jackson was born in 1949 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduating from St. Joseph’s College in 1971 with a BS in Political Science, he joined the automotive industry as a technician for a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
Jackson would eventually serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz USA, where he oversaw their U.S. sales operations. In that role, he helped create the vision and direction that led to the luxury vehicle brand’s revitalization in America. He also has served as chairman of the Mercedes-Benz National Dealer Council.
In 1999, Jackson was named Chief Executive Officer and President of AutoNation, Inc. His vision was to create a more customer focused, transparent and contemporary business model, transforming AutoNation into the leading model for automotive retail. Under his leadership, AutoNation has been the largest automotive retailer for 19 consecutive years, selling nearly 12 million vehicles, the only retailer to accomplish such a feat. Mike Jackson is one of very few executives to lead both an automotive retail company and an automaker’s U.S. sales operations.
Jackson’s business acumen has been recognized beyond the automotive industry with his service to the Federal Reserve Bank and recent appointment as Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, responsible for the Southeast United States. He is also a recipient of the Horatio Alger Award, presented to exceptional leaders, who have overcome adversity to achieve success.
Under Jackson’s leadership, AutoNation has become an active and generous corporate citizen. The Company was named one of America’s top 100 Corporate Citizens by Forbes Magazine and Just Capital due to its commitments to community well-being and its fight against cancer. Through its Drive Pink Initiative, AutoNation has raised more than $14 Million to fund cancer related charities.
