Related: Holman Celebrates 100 Years of ‘Driving What’s Right’
Holman Names Two Top Execs
Dondlinger to oversee auto group's commercial businesses, Nicoles to lead key corporate services.

Holman has named Pete Dondlinger and Kristina Nicoles to executive leadership roles, expanding their responsibilities and appointing both to the company’s board of directors.
Photo: Holman
Holman announced a pair of key executive appointments designed to strengthen and grow the automotive group’s core businesses while continuing to enhance the employee and customer experience.
Pete Dondlinger is now president and chief operating officer overseeing Holman’s commercial businesses. Kristina Nicoles has been promoted to president and chief administrative officer, providing strategic leadership across Holman's corporate services, including human resources, corporate assets, marketing, information technology, and legal and compliance. Both executives have also been named to Holman’s board of directors.
“We are incredibly honored and excited to promote Kristina and Pete to these extremely important roles within our organization,” said Holman CEO Chris Conroy. “Pete and Kristina are extraordinary leaders, and they truly embody the core values and principles that have long served as the foundation for Holman’s sustained success.”
In his new role, Dondlinger will leverage his industry expertise to further align Holman’s commercial businesses, including the company’s fleet management, upfitting, power train distribution, vehicle equipment manufacturing, and insurance divisions, aimed at aligning Holman’s commercial operations to meet customer needs. In his previous role, he provided fourth-generation family leadership to the organization’s upfitting and manufacturing business, which expanded its upfitting and manufacturing business during his tenure.
Nicoles is now tasked with ensuring the company’s corporate services continue to provide proactive, strategic support for its 10,000-plus employees, driving operational excellence as it continues to emphasize customer and employee experience. Since joining the organization in 2004, Nicoles has spearheaded a variety of key initiatives across several departments.
More Industry

Holman Opens New Lexus Dealership
Located in the heart of Clark County, Lexus of Vancouver features a multi-level showroom, more than 30 service bays, an indoor drive for drop-off and pick-up and a fleet of courtesy vehicles.
Read More →
Denver Ferrari Store in New Group
The recent sale of the dealership by Lithia adds to an expanding stable for a family-owned collection of franchises.
Read More →
Nissan Reports Significant Sales Growth
Following the release of Nissan’s 2025 fiscal year report, the automaker announced that its retail-first approach has led to a significant jump in dealer sales.
Read More →
Dealer Debrief: Effective Safety Features
In this week's debrief, host Lauren Lawrence covers a positive safety study from GM and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute and a business acquisition by Cox Automotive.
Read More →
Recalled Autos Spike in Q1
The volume of affected units continued to rise as more software-focused models present different types of problems, creating complex risk, Sedgwick reports.
Read More →
Program Brings Wheels to Families in Need
NADA is taking Vehicles for Change’s Keys to Independence Program national so auto dealers can help families in need gain access to reliable transportation.
Read More →
EFG Aims to Help Dealers Face Rising Reinsurance Volatility
Rising claims severity, higher repair costs and delayed reserve adjustments are putting new pressure on auto dealerships' reinsurance programs.
Read More →
Hybrids in Focus
Another automaker announces plans to dedicate more resources in the U.S. to the now popular power train as it also looks to minimize trade tariff costs.
Read More →
IIHS Adds to Safety Rankings
A midsize Hyundai and a small Toyota have joined the nonprofit's 2026 Top Safety Pick+ award rankings, thanks to improved crash test results and crash-prevention measures.
Read More →
Dealer Debrief: FTC and Pricing
In this week's debrief, host Lauren Lawrence covers long loan terms, the FTC's crackdown on pricing, and disaster prep for dealerships.
Read More →