How Mary Leigh Phillips is Reshaping Auto Finance for Dealerships

Innovating Auto Finance: Insights from Mary Leigh Phillips

In a rapidly changing landscape dominated by technology, Mary Leigh Phillips stands as a beacon of innovation within the auto finance sector. As the CEO of DriveTime and its subsidiary Bridgecrest, Phillips oversees a powerhouse lending operation that extends $3 billion annually, significantly contributing to customer accessibility and satisfaction. Her leadership style emphasizes continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring that the organizations under her stewardship remain at the frontiers of the auto finance industry.

The Evolution of Auto Finance

Reflecting on her years in the industry, Phillips highlights the remarkable advancements in technology that have transformed auto financing practices. "In the past 15 to 20 years, we've seen a significant shift towards improved data availability and modeling techniques, allowing for precise underwriting and near-instantaneous loan approvals," she asserts. This evolution means that automating finance processes has become commonplace, enriching the customer experience by mirroring the simplicity and efficiency of e-commerce giants.

Bridging the Gap: Customer and Technology

Phillips notes how customer expectations have shifted parallel to advancements in technology. Just as consumers now expect seamless transactions online—like with Amazon—they also anticipate the same ease when financing a vehicle. DriveTime has integrated systems that enable customers to receive financing terms in mere seconds, demonstrating how technology can enhance customer engagement. "For us, being online and providing quick solutions has become a necessity in maintaining competitiveness," she explains.

Recognizing Mentorship's Role

Throughout her career, Phillips emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the influence of strong leaders in her journey. She acknowledges mentors from her time at Wells Fargo who paved the way for her entry into consumer finance, instilling values of support and resilience. This commitment to mentorship is mirrored in her own role at DriveTime, where she actively participates in programs aimed at grooming young executives. "Learning flows both ways—mentoring my colleagues invigorates my own understanding and growth in this complex industry," she states.

The Significance of Recognition

Being honored as the 2025 Auto Finance Executive of the Year is not just a personal accolade for Phillips; it serves as recognition for her team's collective efforts. "This award reflects our hard work and dedication," she shares. It reinforces the value of teamwork in navigating the auto finance landscape, where collaboration leads to improved outcomes for both customers and employees. Under her guidance, the focus remains on building a supportive workplace culture that fosters career development.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Auto Finance

As Phillips continues to navigate the evolving challenges of auto financing, her forward-thinking approach positions DriveTime and Bridgecrest for ongoing success. She envisions a future where technology will integrate even more deeply into lending processes, further transforming how consumers interact with auto finance companies. The principles of creating opportunities and enhancing customer experiences will remain at the forefront of her leadership endeavors.

For car dealership principals, general managers, and financial managers, understanding these insights into the auto finance landscape is crucial to driving their businesses forward. The innovations led by executives like Mary Leigh Phillips illustrate the endless possibilities that arise from embracing change.