Manheim announced Tuesday it has chosen a vice president of product management to help deliver a better experience for its clients.

Promoted to the role is Stephen Smith, who will now help guide the development of strategic products services.

“Stephen’s wholesale and retail marketing expertise, coupled with his knowledge of understanding the challenges clients face in identifying the right products for their business, make him the ideal choice for this important role,” said Grace Huang, senior vice president of inventory services at Manheim North America. “With Stephen’s track record of product leadership, I know we will deliver innovative tools and services to help our clients succeed.”

Smith, who was most recently senior director of customer marketing, will now oversee a team of product managers that are responsible for developing and launching new products and services. He will also work closely with the Inventory Services team to “ensure that Manheim’s product offerings are aligned to support the company’s growth strategy,” the company shared.

In his previous marketing position, Smith works to develop and activate marketing strategy for Manheim North America.

Manheim also shared Smith demonstrates parent company Cox Automotive’s values through his volunteer work with the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Restoration Network and Foster Care Support Foundation.

Manheim launches holiday campaign

In other news from Manheim, the company is once again holding its month-long “Dashing Through the Lanes” holiday campaign this year.

The nationwide campaign works to unite the teams at Manheim’s U.S. locations with avenues for local giving opportunities, the company said.

“As last year’s campaign attracted strong in-lane attendance and positive feedback, we wanted to again show our support while helping our dealer clients get a great start to the new year,” said Chris Hood, director of brand marketing, Manheim. “The campaign is a fun way to let them know that despite the hectic holiday season, we are here to ensure they get the inventory they need.”

The campaign launched Monday and will go through Dec. 20. During this window, dealers who attend any of Manheim’s sales in-lane or via Simulcast will automatically be entered to win daily prize package giveaways.

OVE.com will join in the fun, celebrating "12 Days of Dashing’" from Dec. 1 through Dec. 12. During this time, OVE.com will give daily prizes to select dealer clients who complete online transactions.

Manheim also holds a Tire Wreath contest during the campaign. Employees at every Manheim location are encourages to design a holiday-themed wreath using recycled tires.

Last year, more than 100 tires were re-used in this fashion, and in addition, thousands of dollars were donated to local charities during Tire Wreath auctions held at local in-lane sales events.

During the inaugural holiday campaign in 2014, the company said lane attendance spiked almost 12 percent, and more than 6,000 dealer clients increased their year-over-year purchase volume.

“The best part about ‘Dashing Through the Lanes’ is the opportunity to spread goodwill and holiday cheer in the communities in which we serve,” said Hood.

To learn more, see  www.dashingthroughthelanes.com.