Cox Automotive Announces Strategic Leadership Changes

Two Moves Designed To Lead the Industry with Best in Employee Talent, Auction Operations

To further build and strengthen its leadership team and role in the industry, Cox Automotive announced that Rock Anderson has been promoted to senior vice president and chief people officer, effective immediately. Anderson was previously Manheim’s regional vice president – West Regional Operations. Barry Roop, Manheim’s market vice president for the Texas Market, will assume Anderson’s previous role.

“Cox Automotive’s goal is to leverage the deep experience and diverse skills of our current leadership to build the best workforce in the industry,” said Sandy Schwartz, president of Cox Automotive. “Rock’s knowledge of our culture and his approachable style will be assets, as we find new and better ways to engage employees in delivering added value to our customers. Barry’s broad operational experience of more than 40 years in the auto industry and his success in leading teams and driving results will be invaluable to us in this role.” 

In his new role, Anderson will lead a team of more than 24,000 employees in 11 countries. He will be responsible for all human resources functions for Cox Automotive and for developing strategies that help customers take advantage of the diverse talent, experience and skills that reside in the many businesses. Prior to this assignment, Anderson was responsible for leading Manheim’s 33 operating locations in the western half of the United States. Anderson is a member of Manheim’s executive team and previously led the company’s global people strategy with responsibility for all human resources functions, including providing oversight for corporate and field operations, security and employment practices. Anderson, who is affiliated with many academic, professional and community organizations, was named one of Atlanta Business League’s “Men of Influence” in 2013.  He will report to Sandy Schwartz.

As regional vice president – West Regional Operations, Roop will lead strategy, operations and a team consisting of more than 5,500 employees. Roop has served as Manheim’s Texas Market Vice President since 2011, after serving as General Manager of Manheim Dallas (formerly Dallas Auto Auction) for almost 30 years. He brings more than 40 years of experience in the auto and remarketing industry to his new role. Throughout his successful career, he’s held various leadership roles, including new car manager and finance manager at a large franchised dealership in Tulsa, Okla., in addition to assistant general manager and general manager at Dallas Auto Auction. Roop is a past national President of NAAA and co-founder and past President of the Texas Wholesale Auto Auction Association. Roop will report to Janet Barnard, COO for Manheim North America.

About Cox Automotive:

Cox Automotive is a leading provider of vehicle remarketing services and digital marketing and software solutions for automotive dealers and consumers. Cox Automotive, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises, includes Manheim, AutoTrader.com, Kelley Blue Book, vAuto, NextGear Capital, and a host of global businesses and brands serving customers such as auto dealers, manufacturers and financial institutions. Headquartered in Atlanta, Cox Automotive employs nearly 24,000 employees in over 150 locations worldwide. The company partners with more than 40,000 dealers, as well as most major automobile manufacturers, and touches over 67 percent of all car buyers in the U.S. with the most recognized brands in the industry. Cox Automotive unites more than 20 brands in this space, providing an end-to-end solution to transform the way people buy and sell cars every day.

For further information: Lois Rossi, 678-645-2028