Data mining, lead generation and sales opportunity provider AutoAlert recently hired two key vice presidents to steward a multi-million-dollar investment in its software tools and dealership performance-enhancing services.

Joining AutoAlert are Tony Rhoades as vice president of product and James Burton as vice president of portfolio management.

Rhoades is the former executive director of Information and Consumer Strategy for The Gunn Automotive Group. He spent the last 16 years delivering results in various automotive retail sales, finance, technology, and e-commerce roles, the majority of which was with Gunn dealerships.

Rhoades has also served on the dealer advisory boards of several industry technology providers, and is a sought-after speaker for automotive industry events and conferences. AutoAlert noted Rhoades' considerable retail experience, technical background, and dealer-centric approach will serve the company well as he leads product improvement and innovation.

Burton is a former executive and dealer with operational expertise with publicly held CarMax Auto Superstores and privately held independents as well as AutoTrader.com’s Trade-In Marketplace.

Burton will lead a newly created portfolio management team where he will focus entirely on the performance and retention of existing AutoAlert clients.

With more than 18 years' experience in automotive and automotive retail services, Burton brings both a strategic perspective and tactical execution to portfolio management.

AutoAlert highlighted Burton’s proven record of accomplishment has shown consistent performance and profit enhancement for the dealerships he has managed and supported.  Burton has served on multiple advisory boards, industry panels and OEM boards.

“The addition of Tony and James will ultimately drive improved performance and profit for AutoAlert dealers,” said AutoAlert chief executive officer Brian Skutta, who took on his current post last September after departing from VinSolutions.

“Their industry knowledge, hands-on approach, and passion for our industry will drive continued innovation for our product set and utilization across our dealer base. We could not be more excited to have them on the team,” Skutta added.