Search Optics, a provider of digital marketing services to the automotive industry, has hired Ryan Soffa as vice president of global enterprise solutions. Soffa, who has more than 20 years of auto industry experience, will help further expand Search Optics’ international reach by helping auto dealerships strengthen their retail business.

 “During his extensive experience in the automotive industry, Ryan has demonstrated a proficiency for growing businesses and increasing revenue through delivering quality service to clients,” David Ponn, chief executive officer of Search Optics Global, said in a news release. “His qualifications make him the perfect hire for Search Optics as we continue our rapid expansion in 2016.”

 Soffa spent the last 13 years with FordDirect, most recently as senior vice president of product strategy. During his time with the company, he oversaw its digital growth, greatly expanding its body of internal and external resources.

 In a three-year period, Soffa designed and implemented FordDirect’s product curriculum and development strategy, fueling $150 million in revenue growth and a 300,000-unit increase in vehicle sales. Additionally, he implemented the company’s enterprise solution, which provides websites, CRM, multichannel marketing, digital advertising, and social media and reputation management to more than 3,200 dealerships.

 Soffa has a deep understanding of both dealerships and OEMs, including broad knowledge of how to create value by integrating technology with real-world expertise. He believes this is a critical business philosophy for dealership growth.

 “Today’s customers want global infrastructure and efficiencies. By its nature, the digital marketing business is a global one, and our customers are demanding digital acumen and technology in all countries they serve,” Soffa said.

 “Search Optics has a collaborative environment focused on international growth and is one of the last digital marketing companies that still focuses on the customer and solutions rather than valuations and consolidations,” he continued. “It is my pleasure to join Search Optics to lend my expertise to the company and its clients.”

Search Optics has corporate offices in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ireland, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States.