Current Ownership Structure of Barrett-Jackson
Barrett-Jackson is currently a subsidiary of RR Auction, a global auction house headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. RR Auction acquired Barrett-Jackson in a deal finalized in early 2023, integrating the Scottsdale-based collector car auction giant into its broader portfolio of specialty and memorabilia sales. The transaction positioned Barrett-Jackson under the leadership of RR Auction founder and CEO Bob Eaton, a former CEO of Chrysler Group and a noted collector car enthusiast. Under this structure, Barrett-Jackson retains its brand identity and continues to operate its signature live auctions, while leveraging RR Auction's global distribution, digital bidding infrastructure, and expanded collector network. The acquisition brought Barrett-Jackson's high-octane live auction events together with RR Auction's established online and mail-in bidding platforms, creating a hybrid sales model for rare automobiles and related memorabilia. This ownership setup places Barrett-Jackson within a larger auction ecosystem that also handles fine art, jewelry, sports memorabilia, and other collectibles, diversifying its revenue streams beyond the collector car segment. The deal marked a significant shift from Barrett-Jackson's previous ownership under its founder, Craig Jackson, and the Barrett-Jackson family trust, which had guided the company for decades since its founding in 1971.
The integration under RR Auction means Barrett-Jackson now operates with the backing of a larger corporate entity that has invested in expanding its digital sales capabilities and global reach. RR Auction's existing infrastructure supports Barrett-Jackson's transition into a more omnichannel auction model, combining in-person events at the Scottsdale Auction Plaza with online auctions accessible to bidders worldwide. The parent company's financial backing has allowed Barrett-Jackson to maintain its position as the world's premier collector car auction house despite broader economic headwinds affecting the luxury and collectibles markets. RR Auction's ownership also brought operational efficiencies and shared services in areas such as marketing, logistics, and buyer verification. The combined entity now boasts a global client base that includes institutional collectors, investment-grade car funds, and retail enthusiasts from dozens of countries. Barrett-Jackson's signature events, including the annual Scottsdale auctions held each January, continue to set records for total sales volume and per-vehicle prices, reinforcing the brand's premium status in the collector car market. The ownership transition has been characterized by RR Auction as a long-term strategic commitment to preserving and growing the Barrett-Jackson legacy while modernizing its business operations.
Key Executives and Leadership at Barrett-Jackson Under RR Auction
Craig Jackson, the founder and long-time chairman of Barrett-Jackson, remains involved in an advisory and ambassadorial capacity following the RR Auction acquisition. His deep industry relationships and historical knowledge of the collector car market continue to inform the company's brand strategy and high-profile event planning. Day-to-day operations are now managed by RR Auction's existing leadership team, which includes Bob Eaton as CEO and other executives with backgrounds in finance, logistics, and global commerce. The leadership structure blends Barrett-Jackson's legacy expertise in the collector car niche with RR Auction's broader experience in managing complex, high-value auction events across multiple categories. This hybrid leadership model aims to preserve the authenticity and prestige of Barrett-Jackson's brand while introducing more sophisticated business processes and global market access. Key operational roles in vehicle logistics, consignment management, and buyer services have been streamlined under RR Auction's centralized management framework.
The executive team overseeing Barrett-Jackson's integration focuses on maintaining the quality and exclusivity of the auction events while expanding the company's digital presence and international buyer outreach. RR Auction's leadership has emphasized that Barrett-Jackson's core identity as the premier destination for collector car enthusiasts will remain intact, with no reduction in the rigor of vehicle inspections, the prestige of the auction floor, or the scale of the annual Scottsdale events. The company continues to attract top-tier consignors, including major car collectors, estates, and dealership groups, who value Barrett-Jackson's reputation for transparency and record-setting results. The leadership structure also supports