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Also Known As David Bruton Smith, Smith
CEO of Sonic Automotive
David Bruton Smith was is a Chief Executive Officer of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (SAH) in September 2018 and Chairman of the Board in July 2022. Previously, he served as the Vice Chairman and Chief Strategic Officer of the company from 2018 to September 2018. Mr. Smith served as the Vice Chairman of the company from 2013 to 2018.
Earlier, he served as the Executive Vice President and Director of the company from 2008 to 2013. He also served as the Vice President of Corporate Strategy of the company from 2005 to 2007. Mr. Smith served as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and General Manager at the company.
Mr. David Smith was appointed to the office of Vice Chairman on March 31, 2013. Mr. Smith has served as Executive Vice President and Director of Sonic Automotive, Inc.
since October 2008 and has served in Sonic's organization since 1998. Prior to being named a Director and Executive Vice President of Sonic in October 2008, he served as Sonic's Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. Mr. Smith served as Vice President of Corporate Strategy of the company from October 2005 to March 2007, and also served prior to that time as Dealer Operator of several Sonic Automotive Dealerships.
Smith was born in Oakboro, North Carolina, and watched his first race as an eight-year-old. He bought his first race car at 17. He began promoting stock car events as an 18-year-old at Midland, North Carolina. He claims that he beat NASCAR legends Buck Baker and Joe Weatherly. He quit racing because his mother wanted him to quit.
Smith was divorced with four children. He died on June 22, 2022, at the age of 95
Smith was inducted in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2007.
He was inducted in the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame in 2006.
He was inducted by the National Motorsports Press Association to the Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame in 2006.
Smith was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on January 23, 2016.
