Manheim’s Picard named company’s VP of industry partnerships

Manheim has created a new vice president of industry partnerships position, and filling that role is a longtime company leader who is next in line to be president of a trade group that Manheim will continue to work with through this position.

Named to the post is Julie Picard, who will be the National Auto Auction Association president in 2021 and is currently NAAA’s president-elect.

Picard has been with Manheim for 28 years, including her most recent role as west region vice president. Among other roles, Picard has also served as vice president and general manager of Manheim Pennsylvania, said to be the world’s largest auto auction.

Picard was also one of Auto Remarketing’s 2013 Women in Remarketing honorees.

“Julie’s reputation as a leader with high integrity and a clear vision for the future — combined with her strong relationships and influence in the industry — make her the ideal choice for this important role,” Patrick Brennan, senior vice president of Manheim Marketplace, said in a news release. “Her knowledge of the economic, commercial and political environment will help others in the industry understand our vision for the future while driving our company, our industry and our clients toward innovative solutions.”

In her new role as Manheim’s VP of industry partnerships, Picard will provide “leadership and strategic direction” for industry groups like NAAA, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association and the International Automotive Remarketers Alliance.

Julie Picard

Plus, Picard will work alongside the government relations and industry teams at Manheim parent Cox Automotive on industry issues.

 “Julie’s experience in the industry, business skills and leadership abilities made her an excellent choice to serve on our board,” NAAA chief executive officer Frank Hackett said in a news release. “She values team engagement, collaboration, talent development and strategic planning, all of which are important for the advancement of our association and the vehicle remarketing industry.”