Gary Bennett will rejoin Ritchie Bros. subsidiary Leake Auction Company as general manager, New Ventures & Sectors (Collector Cars) for Ritchie Bros. He will be based in Tulsa, OK.

Bennett began buying and selling collectible automobiles in 1971 with Leake, seven years after the company’s founding by James C. Leake, Sr. He subsequently spent several decades in the industry, including 17 years as vice president of Barrett-Jackson auctions.

“I am so excited to be back in my hometown of Tulsa, leading Leake Auction Company into the next stage of its history as a pioneer in the collector car industry,” said Bennett. “Tulsa is a special place and Leake is a special company and with the strength of Ritchie Bros. as our owner, we expect to accomplish some amazing things here in Oklahoma and around the country. We aren’t resting on our laurels. Our next auction in Tulsa in June should not be missed.”

While at Barrett-Jackson, Bennett oversaw the consignment, bidder, guest services, and insurance divisions. He expanded the company from annual events to quarterly events, as well as implementing strategic campaigns to increase attendance at its auctions.

At Leake, he plans to expand the company’s auctions to Florida and Arizona, as well as online-only auctions through Ritchie Bros.’ online brand IronPlanet.com.

“We had more than 700 vehicles on the auction block in Tulsa last June,” said Bennett. “We encourage interested sellers to contact us early to make sure they get a chance to sell in this auction. The earlier you consign the more time we have to market your vehicle to the world.”

A new auction hosted by Leake will be held June 6 – 8 at Tulsa’s River Spirit Expo.