Cox Automotive is shifting one of its auction general managers into an executive role with its floorplan provider.

On Tuesday, NextGear Capital appointed former Manheim general manager Nicole Graham-Ponce as vice president of portfolio management, following the recent appointment of former Manheim regional sales manager Kyle Ballinger as associate vice president of NextGear Capital sales.

In her new role, the company said Graham-Ponce will set the strategic vision for how the portfolio management team supports and empowers clients to grow their business and maximize their success.

Graham-Ponce joined Cox Automotive in 1998. She quickly progressed in roles of increasing responsibility with Manheim, leading operational and sales teams in positions that included general sales manager, dealer sales manager and assistant general manager.

In these roles, she led organizational development, directed operational activities, increased revenue and implemented efficiency improvements. Since 2012, Graham-Ponce has served as general manager of Manheim Dallas-Fort Worth, achieving significant gains in revenue, employee development and customer service efficiency.

Graham-Ponce currently serves as president of the National Auto Auction Association’s Western Chapter and was recognized as a Women in Remarketing honoree by Auto Remarketing in 2018.

“I have known Nicole for many years and I’m excited to add her to our leadership team,” NextGear Capital president Scott Maybee said. “Her understanding of independent dealers and their needs, along with her experience leading large teams and the partnership success she’s achieved, will be invaluable assets to our team.”