DETROIT and SAN DIEGO –

Search Optics announced that it has named a new North America president Tuesday, who will head the company’s operations in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Chosen for the position is David Cox, who brings more than 20 years of product innovation, digital marketing, sales and operations experience.

At Connect-Auto, an automotive ecommerce software-as-a-service (SaaS) start-up, Cox most recently served as head of connected car and Internet of Things (IoT). 

“David is a visionary business leader whose international background aligns perfectly with our global focus and with the Search Optics value proposition, emphasizing innovation and results,” David Ponn, Search Optics chief executive officer, said in a news release announcing Cox’s appointment.

“His experience stands out for its breadth and depth, spanning software as a service, connected retail and ecommerce and artificial intelligence across the automotive vertical. We are very fortunate to have him on our leadership team," he added. 

Cox began his career at Jaguar Land Rover, where he spent eight years serving in a variety of marketing and sales roles.

Prior to his time at Connect-Auto, Cox served in a few senior executive roles for global automotive digital marketing and software ventures, according to the company.

“Shifting dynamics in the automotive market demand continuous innovation in digital marketing ecommerce and customer experience. Search Optics is already leading the drive, with intelligent solutions and strategies that fuel global scalability and success for our clients,” said Cox.

“Backed by the strength of our talent and the power of our technology and data-driven platforms, we continue to change the way automotive digital marketing gets done in North America and beyond," he said. “It’s an exciting time to be at Search Optics.”

Cox is based in Search Optics’ Detroit-area office and reports to Ponn, according to the company.