Exeter names Eldridge Burns as General Counsel after Walt Evans announces retirement

Exeter Finance LLC, a leading indirect auto finance company, announced today that Executive Vice President & General Counsel Walt Evans will retire from the company. His successor is Eldridge Burns, who assumed duties as the company’s new General Counsel on March 31.

Evans has served as Exeter’s General Counsel for 14 years and has held senior legal executive positions for more than 30 years. Before joining Exeter, he also worked for ACE Cash Express and Hollywood Casino Corporation, a publicly traded gaming company. Chief Executive Officer Jason Grubb said Evans has been a tremendous asset to the company, and he wished the veteran leader all the best in retirement.

“Walt has been with Exeter almost since the company was founded in 2006. He has provided not only stellar legal counsel through the years, but also tremendous insight and perspective as the company has grown,” said Grubb. “He’s incredibly steady and thoughtful, and we can’t thank Walt enough for his contributions to our success. We all wish him the very best in the retirement that’s ahead.”

Grubb said that Evans will remain with the company until the end of April assisting Burns through a transition period. Burns officially assumed the role as Exeter’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel on March 31. He will lead the Legal and Compliance departments, as well as serve on the company’s executive leadership team.

Burns has more than 25 years in the legal field with extensive experience in financial services, regulatory compliance and capital markets. He most recently served as EVP and Chief Legal Officer at Mr. Cooper Group Inc. Previously, he was General Counsel at TopGolf, and before that he was Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel for Santander Consumer USA. Burns holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University and a Juris Doctor from The University of Texas.

“First and foremost, Eldridge understands financial services and auto finance. He is a veteran in our industry and brings vast subject-matter expertise and leadership skills to our organization,” Grubb said. “Beyond that, he also has a sharp legal mind that is essential to have on the Exeter team as we strive to meet the needs of our many stakeholders. We’re truly fortunate to be able to bring someone of his caliber to Exeter at this critical point in our journey.”