CARY, N.C. -

The chief executive officers from Equifax, Enterprise Holdings, Carfax and Edmunds.com were among the business leaders with connections to the automotive industry recognized as Highest Rated CEOs for 2016 by Glassdoor, an online jobs and recruitment marketplace.

The honors, bestowed upon top leaders in countries throughout North America and Europe, came as part of Glassdoor’s annual report.

Among large companies, Rick Smith of Equifax came in ranked No. 30 while Pam Nicholson of Enterprise Holdings was right behind at No. 31. Both Smith and Nicholson received a 94 percent approval rating based on anonymous and voluntary reviews by Equifax and Enterprise employees shared on Glassdoor throughout the past year.

“Pam has been inspiring her teammates to succeed since she joined the company as a management trainee 34 years ago, so it’s no surprise that employees overwhelmingly appreciate her leadership and performance,” said Carolyn Eiseman, director of employer brand for Enterprise Holdings, which owns the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands.

“Social engagement is a critical component of our identity as an employer, and Pam’s recognition reaffirms the importance of connecting with current and future employees in the digital space,” Eiseman continued.

Among small and medium companies, Richard Raines of Carfax was ranked No. 19 while Avi Steinlauf of Edmunds.com came in at No. 22. According to Glassdoor’s tabulations, Raines’ employee approval rating was 97 percent while Steinlauf achieved a 95 percent rating.

“This is a very special honor because it’s based on actual feedback from the hardest-working and most dedicated co-workers that I could possibly ask for,” Steinlauf said. “It’s the people that make Edmunds such a unique and successful culture, and I’m truly touched that my colleagues value me as much as I value them.”

CEO approval ratings are gathered through Glassdoor’s online company review survey, which seeks to gain current and former employee sentiment about job and company satisfaction, the work environment and the culture. Employees are asked to rate a number of workplace factors like compensation and benefits as well as work-life balance, and asked whether they approve or disapprove of the way their CEO is leading the company.

In addition, employees are asked to describe some of the upsides and downsides of working for the company and provide any advice for senior management.

“Inspiring and motivating an entire workforce is an overwhelming, yet imperative, undertaking,” Glassdoor CEO and co-founder Robert Hohman said. “The CEOs on this list have earned the approval and respect of their employees, evidenced by the feedback shared on Glassdoor. This list celebrates that achievement and challenges all CEOs to aim to do the same.”

The complete list of CEOs ranked among large companies can be found here while the rundown for small and medium firms can be seen here.