Maria Soklis, President for Cox Automotive Canada & Brazil
Martin Forbes, President for Cox Automotive International
Cox Automotive transitioned its Canadian reporting structure back to the United States, aiming to simplify its structure for local and global customers. Maria Soklis, President for Cox Automotive Canada & Brazil, has opted to leave the company by the end of October.
The company confirmed the announcement in a media statement, noting that Cox Automotive will continue to invest in the Canadian market.
“The new strategy will ensure the business becomes more agile in supporting both current and future customers and help leverage synergies and efficiencies between Canada and the United States including sharing common platforms, products and solutions,” said Martin Forbes, President for Cox Automotive International.
Soklis will help support the business during the transition period, and her position will not be replaced.
Since news of her pending departure broke, Soklis posted an update on LinkedIn reaffirming the move, and has received numerous comments from the industry celebrating her leadership.
“I have enjoyed spending the last six-plus years with Cox Automotive, building and working with a fantastic team, standing up a successful Canadian subsidiary and positively influencing some of the changes undergoing our industry,” said Soklis in her LinkedIn post. “I will miss my team tremendously, but know that they are up for the next phase and opportunity.”
Soklis also shared the news directly in a letter she sent personally to customers and industry colleagues. “I wanted to personally contact you to advise on an announcement made today internally regarding Cox Automotive Canada. We have decided to transition the full Cox Automotive Canadian business back into our North American operations. As a result of this, I will be stepping down from my role as President, for Cox Automotive Canada & Brazil at the end of October and have elected to leave the company,” Soklis wrote.
“I would like to thank Maria for everything she has achieved in Canada during her six years with the business,” said Forbes. “Her leadership has led Cox Automotive Canada to being recognized as the leading automotive service organization in the country. She has been an integral and important part of the Cox Automotive International leadership team and I wish her all success in her future ventures.”
You can read Soklis’ full letter below.
