# James Kessler

> James Kessler, known professionally as Jim Kessler, is chief executive officer and a director of RB Global. His career spans automotive retail, fleet services and collision repair, with leadership roles at Pep Boys, City Sports, vRide, ABRA and Caliber Collision before he joined Ritchie Bros. in 2020. He became CEO in August 2023.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer and Director at RB Global
- **Organizations:** RB Global, Ritchie Bros., Caliber Collision, ABRA Auto Body and Glass, vRide, City Sports, Pep Boys, Alamo Leasing, Associated Equipment Distributors
- **Education:** B.S. in Financial Management, Saint Joseph’s University, MBA, concentration in finance, Saint Joseph’s University
- **Known for:** Oversaw integration work around the ABRA-Caliber Collision merger., Participated in IAA acquisition due diligence and led related integration initiatives at RB Global., Promoted from COO to President and COO to CEO at RB Global between 2020 and 2023.

## Career timeline

- **Before 2013** — Held leadership roles at Pep Boys and City Sports in finance and operations.
- **2013-2016** — Served as CFO and COO of vRide.
- **2016** — Named president of Alamo Leasing in November.
- **2017-2019** — Chief Operating Officer of ABRA Auto Body and Glass, including merger integration responsibilities.
- **2019-2020** — President, Emerging Business at Caliber Collision.
- **2020** — Appointed Ritchie Bros. COO, effective May 11.
- **2021** — Added the role of President in September.
- **2023** — Became Chief Executive Officer and a director of RB Global in August.
- **2026** — CarMax announced his nomination to join its board in connection with its annual meeting.

## Achievements

- Oversaw integration work around the ABRA-Caliber Collision merger.
- Participated in IAA acquisition due diligence and led related integration initiatives at RB Global.
- Promoted from COO to President and COO to CEO at RB Global between 2020 and 2023.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — Announced RB Global leadership changes including Steve Steinberg as CFO, Shiv Dutt as Chief Digital and Strategy Officer, and new business presidencies for Jake Lawson and Sam Wyant.
- **2026-04** — CarMax announced its intention to add Kessler to its board in connection with the annual meeting.
- **2026-01** — RB Global highlighted his AED board service and support for technician education at the AED Summit.

## Links

- Website: https://rbglobal.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kessler-a0b298b

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/james-kessler
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Last updated: 2026-10-24