ATLANTA –

Cox Automotive named a senior vice president and chief people officer today, appointing Rock Anderson to the role, effective immediately.  

Anderson had been Manheim’s regional vice president – West Regional Operations. Filling that position now is Barry Roop, Manheim’s market vice president for the Texas market.

Roop, as some may know, was president of the National Auto Auction Association in 1993 and was co-founder and past president of the Texas Wholesale Auto Auction Association.

“Cox Automotive’s goal is to leverage the deep experience and diverse skills of our current leadership to build the best workforce in the industry,” said Sandy Schwartz, president of Cox Automotive. “Rock’s knowledge of our culture and his approachable style will be assets, as we find new and better ways to engage employees in delivering added value to our customers.

“Barry’s broad operational experience of more than 40 years in the auto industry and his success in leading teams and driving results will be invaluable to us in this role,” Schwartz added.

Anderson’s responsibility in the new position include all of Cox Automotive’s human resources functions and “developing strategies that help customers take advantage of the diverse talent, experience and skills that reside in the many businesses.”

Anderson is on Manheim’s executive team and previously headed up its global people strategy. In that role, he led all human resources functions, including overseeing corporate and field operations, security and employment practices.

He will report to Schwartz, and Roop will report Manheim North America chief operating officer Janet Barnard.