David Bruton Smith is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Sonic Automotive, Inc., a major player in the automotive industry. He has been with the company since 1998, gradually climbing the ranks from various positions including Senior Vice President...

David Bruton Smith is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Sonic Automotive, Inc., a major player in the automotive industry. He has been with the company since 1998, gradually climbing the ranks from various positions including Senior Vice President of Corporate Development to Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Strategic Officer, before taking on the top role in 2018. Smith holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Under his leadership, Sonic Automotive has focused on performance metrics linked to customer satisfaction and adjusted earnings per share. His total compensation in 2022 was approximately $7.64 million, which highlights the company’s confidence in his ability to drive results. The bonus he received was tied to hitting key performance goals, showing how results-oriented Sonic is in its executive compensation strategy. Interestingly, he also manages a significant stock portfolio in Sonic Automotive, reflecting his belief in the company's future. Beyond numbers, David is rooted in a legacy of automotive excellence, being the son of the company’s founder, which adds a unique personal touch to his leadership style.