IRVINE, Calif., June 18, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq: ABTL ), a leading provider of online automotive services connecting consumers with dealers, has appointed Donald Perkins, Jr. to the new position of Executive Vice President of Strategic and Business Development.
Perkins has an extensive background in the automotive industry and has held several executive positions at Fortune 500 organizations. During his tenure at McKinsey & Company, Perkins helped GM restructure its dealer network in the late 1980s, and also furthered the business development of numerous automotive suppliers and dealers. Subsequent to McKinsey, Perkins served as head of General Electric's corporate business development group, as well as Vice President of Business Development for Allied Signal Automotive, a $6 billion and Tier 1 aftermarket supplier. Most recently, Perkins founded Zon Capital Partners, an early stage venture fund.
"Don brings Autobytel a wealth of experience in leading business development initiatives," said Jeff Coats, President and CEO of Autobytel. "His extensive background in the automotive sector and deep industry contacts significantly strengthens our organization."
As an inducement for joining the company, Perkins was granted options to acquire 40,000 shares of Autobytel common stock at an exercise price equal to the closing price on June 18, 2015. One-third of the options will vest and become exercisable on the first anniversary of the grant date, with the remaining options vesting monthly in one thirty-sixth installments over the 24 months following the first anniversary of the grant date.
Perkins received his B.S. Degree in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University, and his M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business at University of Pennsylvania.
About Autobytel
Autobytel Inc. provides high quality consumer leads and associated marketing services to automotive dealers and manufacturers throughout the United States. The company also provides consumers with robust and original online automotive content to help them make informed car-buying decisions. The company pioneered the automotive Internet in 1995 with its flagship website www.autobytel.com and has since helped tens of millions of automotive consumers research vehicles; connected thousands of dealers nationwide with motivated car buyers; and has helped every major automaker market its brand online.
Investors and other interested parties can receive Autobytel news alerts and special event invitations by accessing the online registration form at investor.autobytel.com/alerts.cfm .
Company Contact: Kim Boren Chief Financial Officer 949-862-1396 Investor Relations: Liolios Group, Inc. Cody Slach or Sean Mansouri 949-574-3860 Autobytel Inc. Media Relations Splash Media Jennifer Lange 949-916-4820
