ATLANTA, November 10, 2015 – Cox Automotive’s commitment to creating a culture built upon courageous leadership, innovation and growth was recognized by Automotive News as it named Janet Barnard, president, Manheim North America; Lori Wittman, vice president and general manager, VinSolutions; and Sharon Kitzman, vice president and general manager, Dealer Management Systems, Dealertrack, to its list of 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry during its annual awards ceremony on Nov. 9 in Detroit.
“Janet, Lori and Sharon are valued members of the Cox Automotive team who demonstrate the type of bold leadership that helps our organization thrive in the marketplace,” said Sandy Schwartz, president of Cox Automotive. “We congratulate them on their well-deserved honors, and look forward to the many more contributions they will make to our company and clients.”
Among Cox Automotive’s top priorities is building a culture that is representative of its client base and demonstrates respect for people, diverse perspectives and responsible actions. The company has a legacy of doing the right thing for its clients, employees and the communities in which it operates. This philosophy is exemplified by these three Cox Automotive leaders, chosen to be part of the 2015 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry by Automotive News:
Janet Barnard, president, Manheim North America
Janet Barnard directs Manheim, the leading provider of vehicle remarketing services, connecting buyers and sellers of used vehicles to the largest wholesale vehicle marketplace. She oversees strategic business functions, including sales, inventory services and client experience delivered through the organization’s 79 operating locations and more than 16,000 employees. In addition, Barnard acts as a member of Cox Automotive’s leadership team, serves as the Executive Sponsor for Cox Automotive’s Go Green Council and represents Cox Enterprises on the Board of Governors of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
Recognized by Women in Technology (WIT) as one of Georgia’s top women leaders, she was the winner of the 2014 Woman of the Year in Technology Award in the Large/Enterprise Organization category. In 2010, Barnard was named as a Betsy Magness Leadership Institute Fellow, which honors the most successful female leaders in the cable and telecommunications industry. She was also selected by CableFAX as a Top 25 Regional Player and as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Cable.
Lori Wittman, vice president and general manager, VinSolutions
Lori Wittman brings more than 20 years of cross-industry technology and business operations experience to her role as vice president and general manager for VinSolutions. She directs all aspects of VinSolutions’ operations, which includes websites, client relationship software and digital marketing products. Wittman champions VinSolutions’ pledge to make every connection count between shoppers and dealers. She specializes in driving cross-functional teams to deliver business results and manage change, while developing lasting relationships with business partners, clients and colleagues. Wittman also makes a difference in VinSolutions’ hometown of Kansas City by volunteering at Harvesters regional food bank and has served as a board member for The Children’s Place, a child advocacy service center.
Sharon Kitzman, vice president and general manager, Dealer Management Systems, Dealertrack
Sharon Kitzman leads the Dealer Management Systems (DMS) industry, managing the strategic direction of and product development for Dealertrack DMS. During her tenure at the helm, the organization tripled its market share and expanded into the independent automotive dealer market. She negotiated key OEM agreements for dealers, and with her team, shaped successful product integration initiatives designed to transform the auto retail industry. Building on her experience in sales, marketing, product lifecycle management, process re-engineering, OEM management and professional and client services, Kitzman, a recognized expert in DMS technology and development, has received numerous industry accolades.
About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive, Inc. is transforming the way the world buys, sells and owns cars with industry-leading digital marketing, software, financial, wholesale and e-commerce solutions for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and the overall automotive ecosystem worldwide. Committed to open choice and dedicated to strong partnerships, the Cox Automotive family includes Manheim®, Autotrader®, Kelley Blue Book®, Dealertrack®, vAuto®, Xtime®, NextGear Capital® and a host of other brands. The global company has nearly 30,000 team members in more than 200 locations and is partner to more than 40,000 auto dealers, as well as most major automobile manufacturers, while engaging U.S. consumer car buyers with the most recognized media brands in the industry. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, Inc., an Atlanta-based company with revenues of more than $17 billion and approximately 50,000 employees. Cox Enterprises’ other major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications and Cox Media Group. For more information about Cox Automotive, visit www.coxautoinc.com.
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