LotLinx announced Monday it has named John Gottschalk senior vice president of client relationships to help manage and develop impactful communications with dealers.

Gottschalk most recently served as SVP of dealer relations and business development at FordDirect, which is both a turnkey digital marketing solution for Ford Motor Company and joint venture between Ford and its franchised dealers.

In addition to building communications with dealers, Gottschalk has also been tasked with creating new enterprise strategies and solutions for LotLinx, according to the company.

"John has a deep understanding of the industry, and a strong track record of delivering innovative solutions which accelerate inventory turn,” Lotlinx president Eric Brown said in a news release. “John has worked directly with the country’s top dealers, manufacturers, agencies, vendors and is highly respected by all. We’re excited to add someone of his caliber to the team.”

At FordDirect, Gottschalk was a strategic leader and member of the executive leadership team, which worked with Ford and Lincoln dealers, strategic vendors and Ford Motor Co. partners.

Prior to FordDirect, he spent several years at the family-run McCrackin Ford dealership in Pittsburgh, according to LotLinx.