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CarMax Names Former IHG Chief Keith Barr President and CEO

The board cast the hire as a push to sharpen CarMax’s omnichannel model to revive growth.

Overview

  • CarMax announced on Feb. 12 that Keith Barr will serve as its next president and chief executive officer.
  • Barr previously led IHG Hotels & Resorts, and CarMax highlighted his record modernizing technology, elevating customer experience, and overseeing a workforce of about 345,000 across more than 6,000 properties.
  • Interim Executive Chair Tom Folliard said Barr was selected for his ability to enhance customer experience, lead digital transformations, build brand loyalty, and integrate online and physical operations.
  • Barr said he is honored to join CarMax and aims to guide the retailer into its next phase of growth.
  • The leadership change follows job cuts and a four‑day in‑office requirement for corporate staff starting March 1, 2026, as the company works to improve performance and compete more effectively with online rivals.