AutoNation names former Avis executive Simhambhatla chief technology and AI officer

AutoNation appointed Ravi Simhambhatla as chief technology and AI officer, effective October 1, 2026, to lead its technology, data science and artificial intelligence strategy. Simhambhatla has more than 30 years of technology leadership experience, most recently as Avis Budget Group’s chief digital and innovation officer, and previously held roles at Google Cloud and United Airlines. AutoNation CEO Mike Manley said the company aims to use technology and AI to improve returns from its existing business and support growth beyond traditional geographic boundaries. The appointment lifted AutoNation shares as investors anticipated faster development of data-driven services and AI tools, though declining revenue, weaker vehicle sales and soft cash generation remain challenges the company must address.