Krzanich: Spent 36 years at Intel
Brian Krzanich, unlike his predecessor, became CEO of dealership software giant CDK Global Inc. with no auto industry experience. But he might have just the skills that the company needs.
Krzanich had spent his entire career at chipmaker Intel Corp. until he was ousted as CEO in June. While he brings the baggage of having been publicly dismissed over an affair with an employee, his technology background may be more useful than his predecessor’s long track record at General Motors, Isuzu Motors and Ally Financial Inc.
Brian MacDonald, 52, stepped down as CEO on Wednesday, Nov. 7, with little explanation from CDK, other than that he will assist in the transition. Krzanich, 58, started that morning; he also will have the title of president and serve on the company’s board.
Krzanich said there are “many parallels” between Intel’s history and today’s auto industry. “CDK is in a strong position to lead the auto industry’s technological transformation,” he said.
The company’s top priorities, as spelled out on a conference call to discuss the leadership change and quarterly earnings, are to win new business and retain customers and improve their experience.
CDK lost 409 clients worldwide in the last year, according to analysts at Barrington Research.
One of CDK’s biggest challenges with customer retention is software integration, said John Darmento, director of Gillrie Institute, a Wesley Chapel, Fla., dealership consultant company.
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