Q&A with Jackie Malik of Credit Acceptance, the 2026 National Remarketing Executive of the Year

Below is a Q&A with Jackie Malik, remarketing manager at Credit Acceptance, who is the 2026 National Remarketing Executive of the Year, a Used Car Week award sponsored by the Independent Auction Group.

What are the top trends you’re watching in the wholesale auto industry as we head into 2027?

I’m watching how consumer affordability, vehicle supply, and changing ownership trends continue to influence the market. The wholesale industry has always been cyclical, and the organizations that adapt quickly tend to be the most successful.

I’m also paying close attention to how technology and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the remarketing landscape. We’re seeing more tools that help improve efficiency, provide better insights, and support decision-making. The opportunities are tremendous, but I also believe the human element remains just as important. Relationships, experience, and sound judgment have always been at the heart of this industry, and I don’t see that changing.

You’ve recently become the new president of the Automotive Remarketing Alliance (congratulations!). What are some of the top goals for your tenure?

Thank you. I’m honored to serve as President of the Automotive Remarketing Alliance and to give back to an organization that has played such an important role in my professional journey.

One of my biggest goals is to ensure the next generation of remarketing professionals has the same opportunities for learning, mentorship, and professional growth that I’ve enjoyed throughout my career.

I also want to continue strengthening the sense of community that makes our industry unique. Throughout my career, I’ve benefited from the opportunity to connect with and learn from talented professionals across the industry. ARA has always been a place where those connections happen, and I look forward to building on that foundation while helping attract and develop talent within our industry.

What brought you to the auto remarketing industry … and what has made you stay?

My connection to the automotive industry started with my family. My father worked for franchise dealerships and genuinely loved the car business. His enthusiasm was contagious, and he encouraged my siblings and me to explore careers in the industry. At one point, five of us were working in dealership roles.

I joined the remarketing department at Credit Acceptance in 2001 after gaining experience on the dealership side of the business. At the time, I was looking for a new opportunity, but I quickly discovered that remarketing offered the perfect combination of problem-solving, market analysis, relationship building, and continuous learning.

What has kept me here all these years is a combination of the industry itself and the people I’ve been fortunate to work with along the way. I’ve truly enjoyed my career at Credit Acceptance and have had the opportunity to work alongside great colleagues and learn from exceptional leaders who have challenged me, supported me, and helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Remarketing is also an industry where no two days are exactly alike. There is always a new challenge to solve, a changing market condition to navigate, or an opportunity to improve. I’m still learning something new all the time, and that’s what continues to make the work both rewarding and exciting.

When you’re not on the clock, what do you do to unwind? Favorite pastimes, hobbies, etc?

You’ll usually find me outdoors.

I’m an avid cyclist and enjoy everything from mountain biking and gravel riding to exploring new trails whenever I have the opportunity. My husband and I also love to travel, especially when we can combine it with outdoor adventures.

One of my favorite projects over the past few years was converting a ProMaster cargo van into an adventure camper. The build took about a year to complete, and we’ve been able to enjoy several trips in it this summer. There’s something special about hitting the road, exploring new places, and slowing down long enough to appreciate the journey.