Billionaire Profile
A
Global Rank
#2456

Image: Trower, Charles Francis, 1817-1891 | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

A. Jayson Adair

CEO, Damaged cars
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.553B
Estimated based on Damaged cars stock value as of March 6, 2026
+0.17% (24h)
Age
56
Source
Damaged cars
Industry
Automotive
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

A. Jayson Adair is an American billionaire businessman and the Executive Chairman of Copart, a leader in online auctions for used and totaled cars. Born around 1969/1970, Adair's career began at Copart in 1989 as a manager. He quickly rose through the ranks and played a pivotal role in the company's growth. Adair is credited with pioneering Copart's move into online auctions in 1998, and he took over as Copart's CEO in 2010. Under his leadership, Copart expanded its physical footprint to 243 locations across 11 countries. His net worth is estimated to be $1.6 billion, primarily from his stake in Copart.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

A. Jayson Adair, also known as Jay Adair, was born around 1969 or 1970. He grew up in Orangevale, California.

Rise to Success

Adair's career at Copart began in 1989, where he started as a manager at the age of 19. He quickly advanced through the company, becoming Manager of Operations, Vice President of Sales and Operations, and eventually, he was appointed to the company's Board of Directors in 1992. A key milestone in Adair's career was his role in pioneering Copart's transition to online auctions in 1998, which revolutionized the automotive salvage industry. He took over as Copart's CEO in February 2010, succeeding Willis Johnson. During his tenure as CEO, he expanded Copart's operations to 243 locations across 11 countries. He served as Co-CEO alongside Jeff Liaw before stepping down in March 2024 to allow Liaw to become sole CEO. He was subsequently appointed Executive Chairman in April 2024.

Key Business Strategies

Adair's leadership focused on long-term growth, acquiring land and investing in technological advancements. He was instrumental in the development and implementation of Copart's online auction platform. Adair's disciplined approach and strategic vision drove Copart's expansion and success in the automotive salvage industry.

Philanthropy

Adair and his spouse, Tammi, have contributed to charitable causes. He is also known for political affiliations, having donated to Donald Trump's 2020 campaign.

Career Milestones

1989

Manager

Began his career at Copart as a manager at the age of 19

1990

Manager of Operations/VP of Sales & Operations

Promoted to Manager of Operations and Vice President of Sales and Operations

1992

Board of Directors

Appointed to the company's Board of Directors

1998

Online Auctions

Oversaw the development of an online auction platform

2010

CEO

Became CEO of Copart

2024

Executive Chairman

Appointed Executive Chairman

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Political Donations

Political Contributions

$0.2B

Contributed to Donald Trump's 2020 campaign