Open Lending Corporation, an industry pioneer in lending enablement and risk analysis solutions for financial institutions, announced today that Keith A. Jezek has been appointed the Company's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a member of its Board of Directors. After 21 years at Open Lending, and more than four decades within the industry, co-founder John Flynn will retire as CEO and continue his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors, with Jezek assuming the responsibilities of CEO immediately. President and COO Ross Jessup, with whom Flynn founded the Company in 2000, has also announced his retirement and transition to an advisory role, effective immediately.

As part of this transition, Jessica Snyder, a current Director who serves as Chair of the Audit Committee, has been appointed Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. A member of Open Lending’s Board of Directors since it went public in 2020, Jessica is a seasoned insurance industry executive with experience creating and executing complex and sustainable business strategies.

“It’s been an incredible honor to lead Open Lending, alongside my partners Ross Jessup and Sandy Watkins, and to help transform it into a successful public company,” said Flynn. “It’s an exciting time for Open Lending, and I’m confident that this leadership transition will prepare the Company for its next era of growth. With his strong industry background and proven track record of success, Keith is an exceptional leader and I look forward to working with him and the Board.” 

Jezek brings to Open Lending a unique set of leadership skills based on his deep familiarity with the Company from a decade of Board service along with his prior experience leading both startup and multi-billion-dollar companies in the retail automotive technology sector. With this choice, Open Lending maintains continuity while positioning itself for growth. 

“In getting to know the Company and its management over the past decade, I’ve been privy to a unique success story that I’m humbled to have the chance to shepherd into its next generation of growth. I have been part of the retail automotive technology industry for over 20 years, and I truly believe in Open Lending’s technology and its ability to provide unparalleled value for our clients. I look forward to collaborating closely with John, Ross, the Board and Open Lending’s best-in-class team to continue our evolution,” said Jezek.

As he transitions to a new chapter, Jessup says, “I am immensely proud to have been a part of Open Lending’s story for the past 21 years. Reflecting on the Company’s past and considering the future, I couldn’t envision a more uniquely qualified leader than Keith. With Open Lending’s next journey set to begin, I know it is well-positioned for continued success in his capable and experienced hands.”

Jezek joins Open Lending from Cox Automotive as the leader of its Retail Solutions Group which includes DealerTrack, Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, vAuto, Dealer.com, Vin Solutions and Xtime, among others. Jezek joined Cox in 2010 after leading the successful sale of vAuto, the retail automotive SaaS software firm he co-founded, to Cox Enterprises. Under Jezek’s leadership, vAuto experienced unprecedented growth in the face of significant industry challenges, ranking 22nd on the Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing, privately held companies in America and the 17th fastest-growing company in North America on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500. Jezek was a member of Open Lending’s Board of Directors from 2012 through 2020 and served as an advisor to the Board of Directors following its IPO.

As a longstanding Austinite and University of Texas undergraduate and MBA alumni, Jezek is right at home in Open Lending headquarters. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Lead Venture and an active member of the University of Texas President’s Associates