Inside the 2025 C-Suite Retreat: Conversations that Connect & Inspire

Senior leaders from across the auto finance spectrum came together for the NAF Association’s 2025 C-Suite Retreat in early August.

This two-day experience was designed to break down silos, explore new ideas, and build meaningful relationships.

From finance companies and banks to credit unions, service providers, and other key industry players, attendees brought a wide range of perspectives to the table. Guided by facilitator Marguerite Watanabe, President & CEO of Connections Insights, sessions encouraged candid, open dialogue on the most pressing issues facing our industry. Every voice mattered, and every idea had space to be heard.

The strength of this event is in the dialogue,” said Jennifer Martin, Executive Director of the NAF Association. “It’s not about one person speaking from the stage but rather creating an environment where leaders can exchange perspectives, share real-world experiences, and engage in conversations that continue well beyond the retreat.”

Beyond the meeting room, attendees connected over shared experiences from small-group dinners to unique activities that sparked fresh conversations and collaborations. These moments reminded us that leadership development happens just as much in informal settings as it does in structured sessions.

“The mix of honest dialogue, real-world case studies, and time to connect with peers made this retreat invaluable," Grace Martinez, Vice President, Credit Center Operations at GM Financial agreed. "I walked away with strategies I can apply immediately and insights that will guide my decision-making for months to come.”

We are deeply grateful to our 2025 C-Suite Retreat sponsors—dotData, DRN | MVTRAC | SCM, KredosAI, LAYERUP, OttoMoto, and RepoSystems—for making this event possible and for their commitment to advancing leadership in the auto finance industry.

As we look ahead, the NAF Association remains committed to providing high-value programming for industry leaders. Next up: the Compliance Champions Workshop (September 9–10, Irving, TX) and the 2026 Annual Non-Prime Auto Financing Conference (June 2–4, Irving, TX).

Details for next year’s C-Suite Retreat will be released soon. Stay tuned to learn more!