John Kovac

John Kovac builds centers of excellence focused on employment brand, recruitment marketing, creative design, video and live event production. His team also provides marketing strategy and support services to strengthen the connective thread across Cox’s business division, products and brands — including new investments in cleantech and esports — to drive awareness, favorability and employment consideration.  

Prior to this role, Kovac served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Cox Automotive, leading a global automotive services and software business encompassing 25 brands including Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim. Kovac’s 23-year career with Cox began at Autotrader, which he joined in its startup days as one of its first employees, eventually building the digital classifieds pioneer into a household name. Kovac has since helped establish Cox Automotive as a transformational force for automotive retail.

Kovac serves on the board of Out Teach, an organization focused on sparking curiosity in young minds and advancing STEM through experiential learning in underserved communities.