Cars.com Inc. Announces CFO Transition; Trent Ziegler Named

What Happened

• Cars.com Inc. filed an 8-K reporting a planned CFO change: Sonia Jain will cease serving as Chief Financial Officer effective November 6, 2026 and will remain employed as an Executive Advisor through March 31, 2027 to support the transition. Trent Ziegler was named Chief Financial Officer‑Designate effective October 19, 2026 and will become Chief Financial Officer on November 6, 2026. The company also furnished a press release announcing the change.

Key Details

• Sonia Jain transition: will serve as Executive Advisor through March 31, 2027 and receive $250,000 during the transition; she will be eligible for severance under the company’s Executive Severance Plan after the transition.
• Trent Ziegler background and start dates: age 43; formerly CFO of FairSquare, Inc. (Aug 2024–Sep 2026) and previously CFO of LendingTree; CFO‑Designate effective Oct 19, 2026 and CFO effective Nov 6, 2026.
• Ziegler compensation highlights: $475,000 annual base salary; annual bonus target 80% of base (pro‑rated for 2026); inducement RSUs with target value $3,500,000 vesting in three equal annual installments; $275,000 one‑time signing bonus; eligible for executive benefits and severance programs.
• Governance notes: no family relationships or related‑party transactions required to be disclosed; Offer Letter filed as Exhibit 10.1 and press release furnished on Sept 30, 2026.

Why It Matters

• A CFO change is material for investors because it affects financial leadership and reporting continuity. Cars.com has provided a transition period and detailed new CFO pay and incentives, which show how the company is compensating and motivating its incoming finance chief. The filing confirms orderly handoff dates and potential future severance obligations, giving investors clarity on timing, costs, and governance related to the executive change.