Willis J. Johnson is the former CEO and now Chairman of Copart, Inc., a major player in the online salvage vehicle auction industry. He co-founded the company in 1982 and led it to grow into a global operation with over...

Willis J. Johnson is the former CEO and now Chairman of Copart, Inc., a major player in the online salvage vehicle auction industry. He co-founded the company in 1982 and led it to grow into a global operation with over 200 auction facilities across 11 countries. Johnson took the company public in 1994, and since then, it has helped recycling in the automotive world by maximizing the use of salvaged parts, ultimately reducing environmental impacts. In 2010, he handed over the CEO role to A. Jayson Adair, who is also his son-in-law, but he continues to play a vital role in Copart's strategic direction as Chairman. One interesting aspect of his compensation is that he had periods where he earned a nominal salary, keeping financial incentives aligned with company performance. Johnson’s strategy of moving from in-person to online auctions helped the company tap into a broader market and reduce carbon emissions by minimizing travel for buyers. He puts a strong focus on sustainable practices, viewing the cars that come into Copart not just as products, but as parts of a larger effort to recycle and extend the lifecycle of vehicles, including hybrids and electric models. Johnson’s leadership is rooted in decades of experience, making him a significant figure in transforming the automotive auction industry.