Cox Automotive, which includes brands like Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Dealertrack, vAuto and Manheim has a new president. Cox Enterprises announced this week that effective August 3, 2020, Steve Rowley will take on the new role. The announcement was made amidst reports that Cox Automotive will be cutting 1,600 jobs in North America.
Rowley will move into the position from his previous role as executive vice president of Cox Business, which is the commercial division of Cox Communications. “His leadership has been an integral part of transforming Cox Business into a large growth engine for Cox Communications through operational execution and acquisition,” the company said in a recent press release. “Rowley brings deep experience leading through change and disruption in the wireless, cable and telco industries, an invaluable asset as Cox Automotive continues to integrate, innovate and transform the way the world buys, sells, owns and uses cars.”
Rowley will take over for current President and CEO Sandy Schwartz, as Schwartz shifts to a new position as CEO of the Cox Family Office. In his new position, Schwartz, who has 35 years of experience at Cox, will work with the company’s shareholders while continuing to oversee Cox newspapers in key American markets until the end of the year. In addition to this change, Keith Holmes, senior vice president of Residential Sales for Cox Communications will become the EVP of Cox Business.
“Both Steve and Keith have great track records with our company and I know will keep us on a path of innovation and growth,” Alex Taylor, president and CEO of Cox Enterprises, recently said. “I trust them to treat their employees and customers with great integrity. And I’m thrilled Sandy will still be with us thinking through strategy on the family side of the business.”
Automotive News and other media outlets reported that Cox Automotive will be cutting 1,600 jobs in North America.
