AutoNation has appointed Ravi Simhambhatla as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology and AI Officer, placing artificial intelligence alongside technology in its senior leadership structure as the US automotive retailer advances its digital strategy.
In the role, Simhambhatla will lead AutoNation’s technology and AI strategy, with responsibility for using digital platforms, data and artificial intelligence to support the company’s operations and customer experience. His remit will include technology modernisation and the development of capabilities intended to improve how customers interact with the automotive retailer.
Simhambhatla brings more than two decades of experience across technology, digital transformation and innovation. Before joining AutoNation, he served as Chief Digital Officer at Avis Budget Group, where his responsibilities included digital products, technology platforms and customer-facing transformation across the mobility company.
He previously spent several years at United Airlines, including serving as Vice President and Chief Information Officer. During his tenure, he worked across technology modernisation and digital initiatives supporting the airline’s operations and customer experience.
Simhambhatla has also held technology leadership roles at Virgin America and Tesla. His experience spans industries including automotive, aviation, travel and mobility, giving him a background in technology environments where digital platforms increasingly influence both customer journeys and operational processes.
At AutoNation, his appointment comes as automotive retailers continue to invest in digital capabilities across vehicle discovery, sales, servicing and customer engagement. AI is also becoming a larger part of enterprise technology strategies, with companies exploring its use for automation, data analysis, personalisation and employee productivity.
AutoNation operates a network of automotive retail locations in the US and provides new and used vehicles, maintenance and repair services, financing and other automotive-related services. The company has also been expanding its digital capabilities as consumers increasingly move between online research and physical dealerships during the vehicle-buying process.
The addition of AI to Simhambhatla’s executive title signals the technology’s place within his broader leadership mandate. However, the company has not detailed specific new AI products or deployment timelines alongside the appointment.
Simhambhatla will be responsible for aligning technology investments with AutoNation’s wider business priorities as the retailer develops its digital infrastructure and customer-facing capabilities.
His appointment adds another senior technology role explicitly incorporating AI, reflecting how companies are increasingly placing responsibility for artificial intelligence alongside existing technology and digital transformation functions.
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