Robert M. Burnett, Former President and Chairman of Black Book and Longtime Auto Remarketing Industry Leader, Dies at 81

Robert M. Burnett, former president and chairman of National Auto Research (NAR), publisher of the respected Black Book family of vehicle appraisal guides, whose career spanned almost 30 years at the company, died at his home in Sarasota, Florida. He was 81.

His career achievements at Hearst-owned Black Book, part of its Business Media group of companies, included successfully integrating new technology and media into its operations — an evolution that began Black Book’s journey from print into the digital age.

“Bob’s leadership of our automotive research businesses contributed greatly to the success of today’s growing Hearst Transportation franchise,” said Hearst President and Chief Executive Officer Steven R. Swartz. “We express our gratitude and sympathy to his family at this time of loss.”

“Little did we know when we acquired NAR decades ago that that company would turn out to be such a significant contributor to the continued success and growth of Hearst’s Transportation group,” said Hearst Executive Vice Chairman and former CEO Frank A. Bennack Jr. “Bob played an important part in that success, and we are grateful for his service and offer sincere condolences to his family and his NAR associates. He will be missed.”

Burnett earned a multitude of industry awards and honors throughout his distinguished career, including his election to the National Auto Auction Association’s Hall of Fame in 1999.

“This past summer, I was very touched when Bob shared some material with me that he had written looking back on his time at Black Book and Hearst and all that it meant to him,” said Hearst Executive Vice President for Business Media Richard Malloch. “Bob had a lasting impact on the many colleagues and customers who were fortunate to work with him over the years. He will be sorely missed.”

He joined Black Book as its business manager in 1979 and was quickly promoted to vice president and controller. Hearst acquired the company from Cox Broadcasting Corporation in 1980. Burnett was subsequently named executive vice president and then, in 1993, Black Book’s president. In 2007, he was named chairman of Black Book, a role he held until he retired in 2008.

Burnett began his career in 1962 in the retail automobile business at a local dealership and rose from auction buyer to used-car manager to part owner. He formed his own dealership in 1977, Bob Burnett Ford.

“Bob was a larger-than-life personality and a legend in the automobile dealer and auction industry,” said President and Group Head of Hearst Transportation Tom Cross. “I’m a better person for having worked with Bob. I learned so much from him and will miss him.”

Burnett served as director of the Georgia Automobile Dealers Association and director of the Gainesville (GA) Greater Hall County Chamber of Commerce. He had also been a member of the Rotary Club of Gainesville.

Burnett is survived by his wife, Millie, children Paul, Betsy, Jay (Lynsey), Traci and Sara, and his sister Elizabeth. In addition, he leaves behind his grandchildren, Colin, Kathleen, Lauren, Kade, Alexcia, Gavin and Brandon, along with his great-grandchildren, Riley, Carter and Conner. Burnett was predeceased by his eldest son Michael.

A private ceremony, as well as a celebration of life, will be held at a later date.