Former eBay Canada GM and TCGplayer CEO brings extensive marketplace experience to accelerate AutoTrader’s next phase of customer focus and innovation

TORONTO, ON – March 5, 2026 — AutoTrader, Canada’s leading automotive marketplace, today announced the appointment of Robert (Rob) Bigler as its new Chief Executive Officer. Bigler will lead the Canadian business, spanning automotive marketplaces AutoTrader and AutoHebdo, dealer software and marketing solutions including Activix, TAdvantage and TRFFK, and fintech businesses Dealertrack Canada and Collateral Management Solutions.

Bigler steps into the role as AutoTrader sets its sights on its next chapter of growth and accelerates its investment in cutting-edge enterprise technology, artificial intelligence, and customer-centric digital tools designed to transform the car-buying experience for Canadians and help dealers source, price, market, and sell vehicles more effectively.

Bigler joins AutoTrader following a nearly nine-year tenure at eBay, where he most recently served as CEO of its subsidiary marketplace, TCGplayer. Previously, Bigler was General Manager for eBay Canada, leading one of the company’s key international markets with a focus on enhancing customer experience and driving seller growth. His career also spans senior strategy and digital transformation roles at Selfridges Group, Associated British Foods and Bain & Company in Canada, Europe and the U.S.

Bigler’s appointment arrives at a transformational moment for online automotive retail in Canada. Driven by evolving economic trends, shifting international trade dynamics, and the entry of new automotive providers into the domestic market, Canadian vehicle buyers today face unprecedented choice and carry increasing expectations for value, convenience, transparency and trust. At the same time, Canadian dealers are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape, facing increased pressure to source the right inventory, attract the right buyers, and protect profitability.

“AutoTrader is an iconic Canadian brand with a 50-year legacy, and I’m thrilled to step into the CEO role,” says Robert Bigler, Chief Executive Officer, AutoTrader. “Throughout my career, I’ve focused relentlessly on putting the customer experience first, scaling marketplace platforms, and driving sustainable growth for business partners. We have a strong foundation to build on, from our trusted marketplaces to the software and services dealers rely on every day. By bringing together the shared technology capabilities, AI innovation, and deep industry expertise of the broader Autonex team, we can make car buying and selling more effortless, transparent, and rewarding for Canadian consumers and dealers alike.”

AutoTrader’s parent company, Autonex, brings together leading automotive marketplaces and dealer solutions in nine markets across Europe and Canada, supported by a shared global technology platform. This infrastructure allows AutoTrader to bring new capabilities to market faster and rapidly deploy enterprise innovations tailored for Canadian consumers and dealers. Recent milestones include launching Canada’s first marketplace ChatGPT integration in January 2026 and rolling out a multi-market platform transformation designed to deliver faster recommendations, enhanced vehicle search, and advanced digital workflow tools for dealerships nationwide. Further AI-powered innovations will follow, making the car-buying journey more intuitive and personalized for buyers while helping dealers simplify their day-to-day operations and better connect with customers.

“I’m delighted to welcome Rob to the team,” says Peter Brooks-Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Autonex. “He brings extensive experience in building and growing marketplace businesses, with a strong focus on customer experience and developing great teams. I’m confident that Rob and his team will build on the strengths of our Canadian business while making the most of the technology, expertise, and innovation we share across Autonex.”

About AutoTrader

AutoTrader is the largest and most trusted automotive marketplace in Canada, offering the largest inventory of new and used vehicles nationwide. The platform connects dealerships with high-intent car shoppers and provides a seamless experience for Canadians to buy or sell vehicles quickly, easily, and confidently. In addition to its marketplace, AutoTrader is a leading destination for automotive research and entertainment, featuring news, reviews, videos, and podcasts from award-winning journalists. Follow AutoTrader on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

AutoTrader and AutoHebdo are part of Autonex, a leading international automotive marketplace group operating across nine markets in Europe and Canada. Autonex also includes AutoScout24, LeasingMarkt.de and AutoProff. Together, the brands reach more than 40 million users every month. For more information, visit www.autonex.com.

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Jessica Huynh
P: 647.985.5378
E: jessica.huynh@labourcreative.ca