Manheim kicked off the New Year announcing a new vice president and general manager for its third-largest auction location, a newly-created market center and general manager (GM), and the promotion of three leaders into auction manager positions in Florida and New York.

John Eriksen was promoted to vice president and general manager of Manheim New Jersey. He transitions into the new role following the retirement of Pete Sauber, an auto industry veteran who led Manheim New Jersey since 1991. Eriksen joined Manheim in 2007 and moved into positions of increasing responsibility. Most recently, he served nearly five years as general manager of Manheim Baltimore-Washington.

Housed on 350 acres, Manheim New Jersey has 22 physical and digital lanes, a 70,000-square-foot distribution center and Manheim’s second-largest solar panel installation powering 50 percent of the site’s power.

Craig Amelung has been promoted to GM of the newly-created Mid-Atlantic Market Center that includes Manheim Baltimore-Washington, Manheim Fredericksburg and Manheim Harrisonburg, following the retirement of Manheim Harrisonburg GM Karl Kiracofe. Amelung has had a nearly 30-year career with Manheim, most recently as GM of Manheim Fredericksburg. 

Also, Manheim announced the promotion of three auction managers: Lauren Sokolowski was promoted to auction manager at Manheim Albany, reporting to Manheim New York GM Jesse Nelson. She joined Manheim Albany in 2007 as a marketing manager.

Roger Teate was named auction manager at Manheim St. Pete, reporting to Manheim Tampa Market Center GM Todd Janego. His 30-plus-year career includes nine years with NextGear Capital and regional dealer sales senior director for the Southeast Market since 2014.

Toni Williams was promoted to auction manager at Manheim Central Florida, reporting to Manheim Orlando-Central Florida Market Center VP and GM JD Daniels. She is a 16-year veteran of Manheim.