SANTA MONICA, Calif. -

Following a nationwide executive search, TrueCar has announced its choice of chief technology officer, who will oversee the company’s expanding operations.

Named to the role of CTO is Mike Dunn, who most recently served as CTO for Hearst Interactive Media.

Dunn has also served as Corporate CTO for Time Warner; founding CTO for Dell Online; and executive vice president and CTO for Encoda Systems.

Scott Painter, founder and chief executive officer of TrueCar, said, “Mike, a technologist to the core, fulfills all of our rigorous CTO guidelines. He’ll help define, articulate and implement the forward-looking TrueCar technology and business strategy.

“Additionally, his background in media, advertising and technology industries perfectly aligns with our tech resources and potential,” Painter added. “Mike is a world-class talent who will be a huge asset for short- and long-term corporate goals.”

TrueCar execs noted that Dunn makes frequent public speaking appearances on technology due diligence, the semantic web and online video technologies.

Dunn has also served as a mentor at the MIT Media LAB, Columbia University and the Northwestern Kellogg School, and as an advisor to a variety of Silicon Valley, New York and Boston startups. 

“TrueCar presents a fascinating challenge,” said Dunn, who will be based at the company’s Santa Monica, Calif.,  headquarters. “They’re a robust technology and data-based company that is part of 27,000 vehicles sales every month and is blossoming into a significant force in the automotive world.”

Dunn has served on numerous advisory boards, TrueCar said, including Brightcove, Hootsuite and Blumberg Capital, and currently services on the board of the Ballston Spa National Bank (New York) and advisory boards of RAMP (Boston) and Arkami (Southern California).