To best prepare for the future and continue positioning its core automotive companies to lead change and embrace the opportunities of the industry’s shifting landscape, JM Family Enterprises, a privately held company with more than $20 billion in revenue, announced Dan Chait, currently chief operating officer (COO), has also been named president.
JM Family Enterprises, Inc. was founded by automotive legend, Jim Moran in 1968. It is a privately held company with more than $20 billion in revenue and more than 5,000 associates. Rooted in automotive and united in its strong culture and core values, JM Family is in the business of helping other businesses succeed. As a long-term partner, it is invested in its companies, associates and its communities. Driven by exceptional performance, current subsidiaries are in the automotive, financial services, franchising and specialty distribution industries. Its family of companies includes: Southeast Toyota Distributors, JM&A Group, World Omni Financial Corp. (dba Southeast Toyota Finance), JM Lexus, Home Franchise Concepts®, Futura Title & Escrow and Rollease Acmeda.
As president and COO, Dan 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. He is succeeding Brent Burns as president, while Burns remains chief executive officer (CEO).
Brent Burns, CEO
“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.
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.
Dan Chait, President
“I am grateful for the number of responses and comments, particularly from friends and colleagues from the past,” Dan Chait wrote in a social media comment. “I am excited to assume this new position and credit the amazing group of associates I’ve been working with for the last 21 years.”
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. He resides in Wellington, Florida, with his wife and they have four children.
To learn more about JM Family Enterprises, visit www.jmfamily.com
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