Jay Adair is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman of Copart, Inc., a global company specializing in online vehicle auctions and automotive remarketing. He returned to the CEO position on July 31, 2026, after serving as Executive Chairman for more than two years.
Adair has spent most of his professional career at Copart. He joined the company in 1989 at the age of 19 and worked alongside founder Willis Johnson to transform a regional salvage vehicle auction business into a multinational online marketplace. His leadership has played a central role in Copart's expansion, technology development, and transition to fully online auctions.
Starting His Career at Copart
Adair joined Copart in 1989 as a Manager of Operations. At the time, the company was building its position in the vehicle salvage auction industry, connecting insurance companies and other vehicle sellers with buyers interested in damaged and used vehicles.
He quickly advanced through the organization. In 1990, he became Vice President of Sales and Operations, and in 1995, he was promoted to Executive Vice President. He also joined Copart's Board of Directors in 1992.
In 1996, Adair became President of Copart. Working closely with founder Willis Johnson, he helped guide the company's expansion and develop its operational capabilities.
His early experience gave him a detailed understanding of the vehicle auction business, including relationships with insurance companies, vehicle processing, auction operations, and buyer services.
Transforming Copart Through Online Auctions
One of Adair's most significant contributions to Copart was helping move the company away from traditional physical auctions toward an online auction model.
During the late 1990s, Copart began developing technology that would allow buyers to participate in vehicle auctions remotely. This approach offered greater access to inventory and reduced the limitations associated with attending physical auction locations.
In 2003, Copart introduced its Virtual Bidding Second Generation (VB2) technology, helping establish a fully online auction process. The platform allowed buyers from different locations to participate in auctions without being physically present.
This transition changed how Copart operated and expanded its potential customer base. Instead of depending primarily on local buyers, the company could connect vehicle sellers with an international audience of dealers, dismantlers, rebuilders, exporters, and other buyers.
Adair's involvement in this transformation helped position Copart as a technology-driven business rather than simply a network of vehicle auction yards.
Becoming CEO and Expanding Internationally
In February 2010, Adair became Chief Executive Officer of Copart. His appointment marked the beginning of a period of significant international expansion and continued investment in the company's online marketplace.
Under his leadership, Copart expanded its operations across Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and other international markets. The company developed relationships with insurance companies, fleet operators, financial institutions, dealers, and individual sellers in multiple countries.
Adair also supported investments in vehicle storage facilities, transportation services, title processing, and auction technology. These capabilities helped Copart manage more stages of the vehicle remarketing process.
The company continued to develop its online platform, making it easier for buyers to search inventory, inspect vehicle information, place bids, and purchase vehicles from different markets.
By connecting physical infrastructure with digital auction technology, Copart built a business model that could serve customers across international markets.
Leadership Transition and Return as CEO
In March 2022, Copart introduced a co-CEO structure, with Adair sharing executive leadership responsibilities with Jeff Liaw.
On April 1, 2024, Liaw became Copart's sole CEO, while Adair moved into the role of Executive Chairman. The transition allowed Adair to step away from day-to-day CEO responsibilities while remaining actively involved in the company's leadership.
However, on June 29, 2026, Copart announced another leadership change. The company appointed Adair to return as CEO, effective July 31, 2026, following Liaw's decision to step down.
Adair's return brought an experienced company leader back into the top executive position. Having served Copart for more than three decades, he understands its operations, technology platform, customer relationships, and international business model.
As CEO and Executive Chairman, he leads the company's executive direction while continuing to work with the board on its long-term development.
Leadership Approach and Business Strategy
Adair's leadership has been closely connected to technology, operational expansion, and improving access to the global vehicle marketplace.
His work at Copart reflects several important business priorities:
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Digital transformation: Moving vehicle auctions online and developing technology that connects buyers and sellers across borders.
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International expansion: Building operations and customer relationships in new markets.
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Operational infrastructure: Investing in vehicle storage, logistics, inspection, and processing capabilities.
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Customer access: Making vehicle inventory available to a broader network of buyers, including dealers, dismantlers, rebuilders, and exporters.
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Business integration: Connecting auction services with transportation, title processing, and other parts of the vehicle remarketing process.
Rather than treating vehicle auctions as isolated transactions, Copart developed an integrated marketplace supported by technology and physical infrastructure. Adair's leadership has been central to that strategy.
Key Facts About Jay Adair
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | A. Jayson Adair |
| Common Name | Jay Adair |
| Current Position | Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman |
| Company | Copart, Inc. |
| CEO Return | July 31, 2026 |
| Industry | Automotive, Online Auctions, Vehicle Remarketing |
| Joined Copart | 1989 |
| Previous Positions | President, Executive Vice President, Vice President of Sales and Operations |
| First CEO Tenure | 2010–2024 |
| Executive Chairman | 2024–2026 |
| Areas of Expertise | Business Leadership, Digital Auctions, Automotive Remarketing, International Expansion, Operations |
About Copart, Inc.
Copart, Inc. is a global provider of online vehicle auctions and automotive remarketing services. Founded in 1982, the company connects vehicle sellers with buyers through its digital auction platform and international network of physical locations.
Its sellers include insurance companies, banks, financial institutions, vehicle dealers, rental companies, fleet operators, charities, and individuals. The vehicles offered through its auctions include damaged, salvage, used, and other vehicles available for resale.
Copart's buyers include automotive dealers, dismantlers, rebuilders, exporters, and members of the public. Its online platform allows registered buyers to participate in auctions and purchase vehicles from different locations.
Beyond auctions, the company provides services related to vehicle storage, transportation, title processing, and inventory management.
Under Jay Adair's leadership, Copart continues to build on its technology-driven auction model and international operations, connecting vehicle sellers with a global network of buyers.
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