AutoAlert announced today it has promoted James Burton to the newly formed role of senior vice president, field operations.

Burton previously occupied the position of vice president of portfolio management, where he was responsible for leading the company’s dealer engagement strategy and operations.

In the newly created position, Burton will oversee AutoAlert’s sales, training, portfolio management and client care functions. The oversight provided by this position is also aimed at increasing the utilization of AutoAlert’s data-mining and sales opportunity generating platform.

Brian Skutta, the company’s chief executive officer, commented on Burton’s promotion.

“James’ ability to create strategy and drive execution for both our dealer clients and the AutoAlert team is what sets him apart as a leader,” Skutta said. “Broadening his scope of responsibility to include all consumer-facing interactions will better enable us to enhance our dealerships’ experience and performance with our profit and retention solutions.”

Burton has over 18 years of experience in the automotive industry. According to the company, he brings a proven record of accomplishment along with consistent performance and profit enhancement for the dealerships he has managed and supported.

Burton has served on several advisory boards, industry panels and OEM boards.