Lee Michaelson was named president and CEO of Martin Management Group on Friday, succeeding the group’s founder, the late Cornelius Martin.

&#8220Through Lee’s leadership and energy, the extraordinary growth and success of our business enterprise, which was conceived and nurtured by Mr. Martin, will continue unabated. We can pay Mr. Martin no higher tribute,” a corporate memo to all employees said.

For the past five years, Michaelson served as vice president of the company’s Saturn Division. He worked for more than 17 years in the retail automotive business prior to joining the Martin Group.

Michaelson graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Michaelson and his wife, Kathy, reside in Bowling Green.

Martin Management Group ranked 87th on Automotive News’ list of top 100 dealerships released in March.

According to Automotive News, the Martin Group’s dealerships sold a combined 15,631 new and used cars and motorcycles in 2005, generating $362 million in revenue last year.