New president for National Automobile Dealers Association
Peter Welch will be the new president of the National Automobile Dealers Association, Washington, effective in February.
He succeeds Phil Brady, who left in the summer to head government relations at Phillips 66. CFO Joe Cowden took over on a temporary basis while a search was conducted.
Welch is the chief executive of the California New Car Dealers Association, which he has led since 2003. He earlier headed the group's government affairs for 13 years, and was a partner at Manning, Leaver, Bruder & Berberich, Los Angeles.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan; a master’s degree from the University of Durham, England; and a law degree from Loyola Marymount University of Law, Los Angeles.
Spencer Stuart assisted in the search.
In connection with Welch's appointment, the following promotions were made, effective immediately:
- Cowden, EVP, COO and CFO
- Andrew D. Koblenz, EVP, legal and regulatory affairs, and general counsel
- David W. Regan, EVP, legislative affairs. Details: www.nada.org.
