Robert Z.

About Robert Z.

I have more than 20 years of experience in automotive retail, lending, and risk management. In my current role, I lead enterprise-wide initiatives that have reduced injuries, regulatory compliance issues, theft, and other losses by tens of millions of dollars. Some of my accomplishments in my current role include developing uniform compliance and safety training programs for over employees, creating a dealership-specific recovery and repossession network, and implementing industry-leading insurance risk management strategies recognized by Lloyd’s of London. Prior to my current position, I spent seven years in sales and management roles in the automotive industry and four years as Regional Vice President at Wells Fargo Auto Lending, where I managed a large automotive lending teams throughout the western United States and helped create compliance training to help our clients navigate new CFPB and FTC regulations. With my years of sales and management success and my understanding of risk and compliance issues I am able to help merge both these sides of any organization so that we can maximize profits while doing things right!

Experience

1. Sr Director of Risk Management, Compliance, and Insurance

   Ken Garff Automotive Group

   Jan 2016 — Present · Salt Lake City, UT, US

   I am currently in charge of Risk Management, Insurance, and Compliance for one of the largest privately-owned automotive dealership groups in the U.S. I lead a team comprising risk managers, compliance directors, recovery specialists, salvage experts, and Environmental Health and Safety teams to ensure that Ken Garff Group is well-prepared for any potential risks or losses and that we can be regulatory compliant while still maintaining profitability.During my tenure, I have supervised the creation of a comprehensive compliance and safety training program for all employees. I have also spearheaded recovery operations during critical events such as natural disasters, cyber incidents, or regulatory probes. For instance, in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, I played a pivotal role in organizing the recovery efforts of 700 affected dealership staff, managing to resume operations at all eight locations within two days.I oversee the compliance risk management for over 70 dealerships, a finance company, a fleet leasing firm, a FinTech enterprise, philanthropic entities, and a warranty/insurance business. My extensive knowledge of the operational facets of these various types of businesses coupled with my experience in sales management, production, and banking, enables me to effectively shape policy and build consensus within the Executive Leadership Teams I collaborate with.As the Senior Director of Risk, I have successfully reduced the rate of injuries, accidents, and losses by nearly 40%. I have expanded the department to offer additional services beyond conventional risk mitigation, including EHS consultation, repossession and recovery, and indirect lending loss negotiations, among others. This expansion has transformed the Risk Management Department into a profit center rather than merely a loss prevention unit.I thrive on challenges and the opportunity to lead a team through crises, which this role provides me with frequently.

Education

• University of Utah

  Master of Business Administration - MBA

• Brigham Young University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, History