JM Family Enterprises announced that Dan Chait, currently chief operating officer (COO), has also been named president. He is succeeding Brent Burns as president, while Burns remains chief executive officer (CEO), the company announced in a press release. 

As president and COO, Chait will be responsible for all company operations within JM Family, working closely with the senior leadership team to execute on company strategies and drive key initiatives. 

“Dan’s promotion to president is well-earned, spotlighting his leadership, wealth of knowledge, and experience gained over 30 years in the automotive and financial services industries,” Burns said. “Most importantly, Dan is deeply committed to the well-being of the 5,000 associates across our companies. He has a proven track record of enhancing results through trust, driving greater associate engagement and development, inspiring action among his teams and fostering inclusivity across the organization.”

As CEO, Burns will continue focusing on the long-term success of the company and working closely with JM Family’s board of directors. Together, Burns and Chait remain committed to preserving and enhancing the company’s rich culture and its unwavering dedication to its customers and associates, the release stated. 

Chait, who was named COO in May 2023 and previously held the role of president of subsidiary companies JM&A Group and Southeast Toyota Finance, has collaborated closely with JM Family’s leadership to navigate the dynamic automotive industry and align strategic priorities. With deep roots at JM Family, Chait has established strong relationships in the automotive, financial and banking industries and has successfully led through fluctuating business cycles. 

Chait joined Southeast Toyota Finance in 2002 as vice president, Asset Management. In 2007 he became group vice president responsible for Southeast Toyota Finance’s Portfolio Management, Dealer Services, Operations, Sales and Marketing functions. In 2011, Chait was named senior vice president, and in 2012 became president before assuming full responsibility for leading Southeast Toyota Finance and JM&A Group in 2021. Chait has held senior level positions with US Airways, AutoNation and UniCapital Corporation.

Chait earned his Master of Business Administration and bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Rochester. In 2019 he was named chairman of the American Financial Services Association board of directors, of which he has been a member since 2015.

For more information, visit, JM Family Enterprises, Inc.