CarMax, Inc. announced that Keith Barr has been appointed president and chief executive officer, and a member of the board of directors, effective March 16, 2026.
David McCreight, current Interim President and CEO of CarMax, will transition to his prior duties as an independent Director of the Board. Tom Folliard will remain in his role as Interim Executive Chair of the Board until the Company’s Annual Meeting in June 2026, after which he is expected to resume his prior duties as non-executive Chair of the Board.
Mr. Barr is a proven leader who has driven transformational growth and operational excellence across large-scale, consumer-centric businesses. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer at InterContinental Hotels Group (NYSE: IHG), where he led one of the world’s largest hospitality companies with 345,000 people working across more than 6,000 properties in over 100 countries. During his tenure, Mr. Barr reimagined IHG’s customer experience, modernized IHG’s technology to support large-scale growth, and delivered substantial improvements in operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and brand loyalty. Notably, Mr. Barr oversaw the development of an innovative digital reservation system that enhanced the booking experience and empowered guests to personalize their stays, setting a new standard for the industry. Under Mr. Barr’s leadership, IHG grew market share across geographies and created significant value for shareholders. Mr. Barr also currently serves on the Board of Directors at MGM Resorts.
“The Board and I are thrilled to welcome Keith to CarMax. His decades of leadership experience and proven ability to enhance the customer experience, lead digital transformations, build brand loyalty, and effectively integrate online and physical properties make Keith the right choice to lead CarMax through a critical juncture and drive the company’s next chapter of growth,” said Mr. Folliard. “Keith’s values-based approach to leadership will enhance CarMax’s award-winning people-first culture, and he has demonstrated a clear ability to drive profitable sales growth alongside an unwavering focus on the consumer.”
Mr. Folliard continued, “We are grateful to David for stepping into the role of Interim CEO over the past several months. As we conducted a thorough search for the right leader for CarMax’s next phase, David’s leadership was vital to strengthen the business in the near-term and solidify the foundation from which we will grow.”
“I am honored to join CarMax and lead this iconic organization alongside our talented associates,” said Mr. Barr. “A car is one of the most important purchases American families make, and today’s consumer is increasingly seeking value and a customized shopping experience. I believe the large and highly fragmented used vehicle market is only in the early innings of meeting the needs of the modern consumer. CarMax is uniquely positioned to capture this opportunity by delivering the best value and service across both in-person and online channels, leveraging its transparent pricing, extensive inventory, and flexibility to shop however customers prefer. I’m excited to lead this great company into its next chapter of growth, building on more than three decades of market leadership.”
