LAS VEGAS, NV— Nick Peluso has received the Bobit Industry Icon Award in recognition of his bold vision, technological innovation, and dynamic leadership. The National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) and the International Automotive Remarketers Association (IARA) honored the president of Manheim Digital Marketplace at the 2019 Conference of Automotive Remarketing (CAR) in Las Vegas this month.
The organizations jointly created the annual award in 2015 commemorating the late Ed Bobit, founder of Bobit Business Media, to be bestowed on members of the automotive community who most exemplify his leadership, dedication, service, and devotion to the ideal of excellence.
As Manheim Digital Marketplace's top executive, Peluso leads a team focused on accelerating portfolio management for clients through intelligent remarketing solutions and advanced data analytics. He oversees the digital portfolio of brands that include Manheim.com, Manheim Express, Simulcast, OVE, and RMS Automotive's global business.
"Nick is a mover and shaker who has helped kickstart various businesses within the Cox Automotive family," said NAAA President Chad Bailey during the presentation ceremony. "He's the link in the chain that pulls all the parts together by fostering a strong collaborative culture, which he believes is fundamental to continued growth, engagement, and expansion."
Under Peluso's management, Manheim Marketplace has achieved record growth across its U.S. digital channels, surpassing two million transactions for the first time to become a leader in the market through artificial intelligence, technology, and industry perspectives.
An industry veteran with more than three decades of experience, Peluso spent a dozen years in various senior executive leadership positions with ADT Automotive Inc., including as vice president of sales and marketing, before joining Cox Automotive in 2000. There he soon became senior vice president of customer management for Manheim with responsibility for commercial and dealer sales, marketing, and Manheim consulting prior to being named the president of Cox's RMS Automotive in 2014.
His professional achievements and contributions to the industry have earned him a reputation as a thought leader who is requested regularly to speak at such key events as the National Remarketing Conference, Conference of Automotive Remarketing, and National Automobile Dealers Association convention, as well as IARA and NAAA.
Peluso resides with his wife Jessie in Las Vegas, where he gives back to his community by participating in the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America (KPCRAA) to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction and other charities supporting chronically ill children. He also participates in the Annual Las Vegas Governor's Black-Tie Event that raises funds to support various nonprofit organizations aiding children and families in need throughout Las Vegas. In his free time, Peluso enjoys cycling, a good game of golf, and his new role as a grandparent.
As the 2019 Industry Icon recipient, Peluso is only the sixth person to be given the prestigious award. Previous recipients include KAR Auction Services CEO and Chairman of the Board Jim Hallett, industry mogul Mike Hockett, Sr., ADESA Executive Vice President and Chief Economist Tom Kontos, Manheim Chief Economist Tom Webb, and Bobit's son Ty, president and CEO of the media giant founded by his father in 1961.
