JM Family names two executives

JM Family Enterprises, a $14.9 billion diversified automotive business based in Deerfield Beach, announced two top leadership promotions on Tuesday.

Colin Brown, chief executive officer, was named chairman of JM Family and remains as CEO. Brent Burns, chief operating officer, was named president and retains his position as COO.

“Brent’s new title reflects his outstanding leadership, commitment to our core values and being an influential voice among our senior leaders throughout his 17 years with JM Family,” Brown said.

Burns’ appointment to president strengthens the company’s succession planning, JM Family said in a news release.

JM Family said Burns, 57, helped navigate the company through the challenging economic downturn as chief financial officer in 2008. He established a financial framework that has since supported the organization’s profitability.

Before assuming the CFO role, Burns was president of JM Family’s World Omni for seven years where he helped transform Southeast Toyota Finance as a financial partner for Toyota dealers in the region. Prior to joining JM Family in 2000, he spent nearly 20 years in automotive operations and finance.

Brown, 68, has been both president and CEO since 2003, overseeing development and implementation of the company’s objectives and strategies for growth.

Burns, who has been chief operating officer since 2014 and a board member since 2012, will continue to oversee JM Family’s three operating business units – Southeast Toyota Distributors, World Omni Financial Corp. and JM&A Group – and lead the organization’s information technology strategic planning.

JM Family employs about 1,700 employees in South Florida and 4,100 across the U.S.

The company ranked No. 21 on Forbes’ list of “America’s Largest Private Companies” and ranked No. 55 on Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For,” its 19th consecutive year on the list.

Burns

Brown