RMS Automotive, Cox Automotive’s portfolio management solutions provider, announced on Wednesday it has appointed Sebastian Fuchs to be senior sales and marketing director in Europe.
“Sebastian (Fuchs) is a proven leader with in-depth knowledge of the international automotive and fleet remarketing business,” said RMS Automotive head of global sales and marketing David Gaynoe in a news release.
“RMS Automotive has enjoyed significant worldwide growth in recent years, and with Sebastian’s support abroad, we will continue to ensure our clients benefit from the advantages of our market-leading platform as well as the new developments and innovations in our product pipeline.”
In his new role, Fuchs will help lead the growth and development of RMS Automotive’s market-leading platform internationally.
“RMS Automotive is uniquely positioned to leverage its industry-leading solution to help OEMs and large fleet operators make smarter remarketing decisions,” said Fuchs.
“I’m excited about the potential and opportunity to help grow the business across Europe.”
Fuchs has more than 14 years of experience. Most recently, he served as director of international used-car sales for Volvo Car Corporation.
He began his career at Jaguar Land Rover in Germany, where he managed remarketing activities such as its approved used car program.
Greater Erie Auto Auction recently announced that the operation has promoted Ryan Russell to assistant general manager/sales manager. Russell, who was formally a territory sales representative for the auction, brings more than 15 years of auction experience to his new role.
Russell came to Greater Erie AA six years ago as he previously worked for ADESA as a dealer sales and service rep at its location in Mercer, Pa.
“We are very excited to have Ryan move into this position,” Greater Erie AA owner Todd Briggs said. “He is very focused on growing and expanding the auction. His out of the box thought process and communication skills, will prove to make him a great leader to our staff.
“He will be co-managing with Chrissy Briggs, assistant general manager/fleet manager and our management team, to move Greater Erie in a great direction in 2017,” Briggs continued.
“Patty and I are proud to introduce and announce Ryan to our management team and look forward to 2017. Dealers will see Ryan in their stores, in the auction lanes or in the corner office,” Briggs went on to say.
Greater Erie AA is located in Fairview, Pa., on Interstate 90 between Buffalo, N.Y., Pittsburgh and Cleveland and offers more than 400 units every week across four auction lanes. The facility features lighted security, 24-hour gate control and leverages both Auction Pipeline Simulcast and AutoIMS.
Current consignors include Credit Acceptance/VRS, Element Fleet, Select Remarketing Group/SRG, Fleet Lease Disposal and several local banks and finance institutions. Sale day is Tuesdays 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.greater-erie.com.
CARS Recon announced that three of its executives have transitioned into new roles on Thursday.
Kay Hudson, one of the honorees among the 2016 Women in Remarketing, left her role as chief operating officer on Jan. 1 to become the managing director of international vehicle services.
Philip Hill, formerly the company’s vice president of finance, is now the senior vice president of finance and administration.
“Over the past 12 months, I have had the opportunity to work with Philip. Philip has proven to be a top performer for our company," said CARS Recon chief operating officer Harold Varvel. "He demonstrates a strong will power and determination in his current position, which will ensure his continued success. We expect great things from Philip in the future as we continue to integrate technology into our business.”
Varvel, transitioned out of his role as senior vice president of finance and administration, to become chief operating officer.
He is now responsible for both field and overall operations of the company.
“Harold (Varvel's) perspective and knowledge of the industry will allow him to build on the platform Kay has built to move CARS Recon, Inc. ahead,” said Ronald Hope, president and chief executive officer of CARS Recon.
Cox Automotive announced on Wednesday that it has promoted John Kovac to executive vice president and chief marketing officer and Rock Anderson Jr. to executive vice president of people strategies.
Kovac a 17-year Cox veteran, took on the role of senior vice president of marketing at Cox Automotive when the division of Cox Enterprises launched in 2014 and Anderson previously served as regional vice president at the company’s Manheim business before the inception of Cox Automotive.
“John (Kovac) is known for his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach,” said Cox Automotive president Sandy Schwartz in a news release. “His vision is the driving force behind our global marketing strategy, which will become increasingly important as Cox Automotive provides our clients with integrated solutions.”
In his new role, Kovac oversees the domestic and international development of the Cox Automotive brand and all aspects of marketing globally.
Anderson now leads Cox Automotive’s people strategies team, which works to attract and nurture top talent. He is also responsible for driving the development of innovative policies and programs that help Cox Automotive compete in the global talent market.
“Cox Automotive fosters a client-obsessed culture that requires industry-leading talent, and Rock (Anderson) continues to deliver the global strategies and people that are integral to our continued business success,” said Schwartz. “I look forward to Rock’s ongoing leadership as we continue to be an automotive industry leader and further evolve Cox Automotive into a destination employer.”
On Monday, Dent Wizard International announced Ryan Briggs will fill the company’s newly-created position of vice president of customer development.
In this new role, Briggs is responsible for expanding Dent Wizard’s relationships with the top 150 dealer groups as well as services and programs with non-traditional resellers.
“Ryan has a proven track record for follow-through and communication with customers and prospects, which are critical attributes for Dent Wizard’s superior customer service,” said Dent Wizard senior vice president and chief operating officer Mike Black in a news release. “His knowledge and passion for what we do will help our customers sell cars more quickly and for more money. He’ll be a valued partner to dealership groups that want to consolidate their recon services.”
Briggs brings professional sales experience that spans more than a decade.
Most recently he served as national sales manager at DigiCut Systems, a company that provides solutions for the installation of automotive aftermarket products.
Editor's Note: Updated to correct second-to-last quote.
LotLinx welcomed Pat Ward, co-founder and former chief strategy officer of motormindz, as its chief revenue officer in mid-December. Ward has more than 25 years in sales leadership, marketing and customer advocacy.
Auto Remarketing caught up with Ward by phone this week to talk about the position.
What attracted LotLinx's newest executive is technology.
“I just truly believe that the LotLinx product is a great technology that will be a game-changer in this industry. I’ve always been a fan of technology,” Ward said. “Coming from the OEM side of the business for a majority of my career, I wish the technology existed when I was there that would help drive traffic to dealers' websites and allow them to merchandise their inventory at the VIN-level detail.”
Previously, Ward worked for Jaguar Land Rover North America where he served as vice president of customer service, in addition to various other roles.
In his new role, Ward will be responsible for generating revenue growth and overseeing sales marketing, such as the marketing that goes along with promoting the LotLinx’s product with the dealers and OEMs.
“Being new, I’m in the process of establishing what’s important for a startup, especially a technology company like LotLinx, such as growth in terms of revenue and growth in terms of the dealer networks adopting the product,” Ward said.
Ward currently owns Creative Automotive Solutions, a consultancy that helps dealers grow revenue and increase customer satisfaction.
LotLinx recently announced that Pat Ward, former managing partner of motormindz, has been named its chief revenue officer.
The digital retail technology company said Ward brings extensive automotive business expertise.
He has more than 25 years in sales leadership, marketing and customer advocacy.
“Having worked as a consultant where his creative thinking helped dealers every day and as an in-house executive in charge of major dealer networks, Pat Ward understands the car business inside and out. We are lucky to have him,” Len Short, founder of LotLinx, said in a news release.
In his new role, Ward will be responsible for producing and advancing sustainable revenue growth, according to LotLinx.
Previously, Ward worked for Jaguar Land Rover North America where he served as vice president of customer service, in addition to various other roles.
Ward currently owns Creative Automotive Solutions, a consultancy that helps dealers grow revenue and increase customer satisfaction.
On Tuesday, Hertz announced the appointment of Kathryn Marinello as president and chief executive officer.
Marinello has been elected by the boards of directors of Hertz Global Holdings and Hertz Corporation to replace John Tague in early January.
Tague will retire as Hertz president and chief executive officer on Jan. 2.
"Kathy (Marinello) is a tireless leader whose record shows a relentless focus on execution and high performance, having led a number of complex businesses and turnaround situations,” said Henry Keizer, Hertz non-executive chair. “Her financial acumen and hands-on operating style will serve her well as she focuses on the strategic priorities facing Hertz today. Kathy is a world class leader who understands how to create shareholder value."
Marinello is a veteran public company leader who has significant experience interacting with customers similar to Hertz, such as direct consumers, corporations and insurance companies, the company said.
Her broad career background includes experience in banking, business service and technology.
Since March 2014, Marinello served as a senior advisor of Ares Management. She was the chairman, president and chief executive officer of Stream Global Services from 2010 to March 2014. Prior, Marinello served as the chief executive officer and president of Ceridian Corporation from 2006 to 2010.
"I am honored to have been selected to lead Hertz to its full potential at a time of unprecedented opportunity for the companies," Marinello said. "I look forward to partnering with Hertz employees as we work to earn sustained industry leadership for the benefit of our shareholders, customers and team members."
In 1997 Marinello joined General Electric where she held a variety of senior roles over 10 years. Currently, she’s an independent director of AB Volvo, General Motors Corporation and RealPage.
JMN Transportation’s Florida location in Orlando created a new position for a local transportation manager and on Tuesday announced the appointment of Evelyn Rodriquez to the post.
The company said the expansion of business and along with a recent contract renewal led to the decision to establish the new role.
“Evelyn comes to us with great experience in the industry,” JMN chief operating officer Cindy Darnell said. “She will make for a great addition to our team and we look forward to all that she will do to help our organization as a whole.”
Rodriguez will oversee all dispatching in Orlando and communicate with all auctions and customers to manage delivery times.
“Most places I have worked have been start-up companies and I’m looking forward to working with a company with such an established and positive reputation,” said Rodriguez. “I’ve been in the transportation industry for over 20 years, mostly in car rental, so this will be a nice change of pace for me.”
Previously, Rodriguez served as a customer service manager at Action Rental Car and an airport station manager at L&M Car Rental.
Cox Enterprises announced it elected Henry Parry-Okeden to its board of directors Thursday. The entrepreneur in the hospitality industry is also the great-grandson of James Cox, the company's founder. Parry-Okeden joins business leaders and three generations of Cox family members, Anne Cox Chambers, Jim Kennedy, Alex Taylor and Jamie Kennedy.
"We are excited that Henry is joining Cox's board and will play a role in shaping the future of the company," said Cox Enterprises chairman Jim Kennedy. "He understands our core businesses and brings experience in launching and growing startups, as well as international business."
Parry-Okeden co-founded InvitedHome, a hospitality company where he currently leads growth strategy and oversees expansion into new markets.
Before InvitedHome, Parry-Okeden founded the Oakview Group, served as a sales and marketing manager at Shanghai Vision, worked as a Techstars associate and spent two years with Cox Communications.
