Group 1 Automotive, Inc. announced the appointment of Benjamin Hart to its Board of Directors (the “Board”), effective November 1, 2026. In connection with Mr. Hart’s appointment, the Board will expand from ten to eleven directors. Mr. Hart is a member of the investment team for the Acacia funds, the investment funds managed by Conifer Management L.L.C. (“Conifer”), one of Group 1’s largest shareholders.
“We are very pleased to welcome Ben to our Board,” said Charles Szews, Group 1’s Non-Executive Chair of the Board. “Considering our shareholders’ perspectives is central to how our Board operates, and we believe there is real value in having the viewpoint of one of our largest long-term shareholders represented directly in the boardroom. We appreciate the constructive engagement we have had with Conifer and look forward to Ben’s contributions as we continue to execute our strategy.”
“Ben Hart and Conifer have been valued investors in Group 1 for many years, and we’ve developed a close relationship built on mutual respect and open dialogue,” said Daryl Kenningham, Group 1’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We have always greatly valued their thoughtful and well-considered feedback, as well as their deep understanding of our industry and Group 1’s competitive advantages and opportunities. We look forward to welcoming Ben to the Board and working closely with him as we continue to build long-term value for all Group 1 shareholders.”
“I am honored to join the Group 1 Board,” said Mr. Hart. “Conifer is a long-term shareholder of Group 1 because we believe in the strength of its business, its thoughtful and operationally intensive management team, and the significant opportunities that lie ahead. I look forward to working with my fellow directors and the management team to help capture those opportunities and drive long-term value for all of Group 1’s shareholders.”
Hart’s appointment was made in connection with a stockholder agreement between the Company and Conifer. The Agreement includes certain customary standstill, voting, confidentiality, mutual non-disparagement and other provisions. The Company will file the Agreement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K.
