MEDFORD, Ore. -

Lithia Motors announced Monday that it has brought on a new senior vice president and chief human resources officer.

Chosen for the position is Erik Lewis, who most recently served as chief human resources officer at the hospitality company Apple Leisure Group.

Lewis' appointment comes just a week after the company announced that it has named its first-ever chief technology and innovation officer, former Massage Envy franchising executive George Hines.

Meanwhile, along with consulting for various companies while at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Arthur Andersen LLP, Lewis has also spent time with Sysco Corporation and served as Walmart’s senior director of human resources for Asia.

"We welcome Erik as our first executive dedicated to supercharging our mission of 'growth powered by people'," Lithia Motors president and chief executive officer Bryan DeBoer said in a news release. "Lithia’s people-focused culture is the differentiator behind our substantial growth over the previous five years to $12 billion in annual revenue. Our entrepreneurial team members drive both strong execution and innovation and will take us to the next level of leadership in personal transportation solutions.

"Erik’s experience in building dynamic cultures that maximize an organization’s ability to attract, grow and retain top talent will be a continued catalyst for innovation and success,” DeBoer said.

According to Lithia Motors, Lewis will assume oversight of company human resources from Lithia Motors executive vice president Chris Holzshu.

“Chris’s exceptional leadership in strengthening our culture and shaping our first chief human resources officer role has prepared him to further expand his influence operationally, leveraging his passion for people and managing performance,” said DeBoer. “With growth and innovation objectives and nearly $250 million in earnings potential in our existing store base, we are proud to have Chris focused on delivering operational results.”