ATLANTA – To further Cox Automotive’s delivery of innovative end-to-end inventory solutions, the company today announced the selection of Joe George as senior vice president of Manheim Vehicle Solutions. He will be responsible for strategy to execution, driving the wholesale and retail solutions long-term plan related to reconditioning, imaging, purchase protection and inspections. In addition, RMS Automotive will report to George, under the continued leadership of Nick Peluso, helping commercial clients make smarter portfolio management and remarketing decisions.
Effective October 17, George will report to Janet Barnard, president of Cox Automotive Inventory Solutions. His new role was held previously by Shane O’Dell, who was recently named president of Cox Automotive Financial Services.
“Joe is a proven leader with in-depth knowledge of the changing wholesale and retail marketplaces,” said Barnard. “With Joe’s support, we will move closer to our strategic vision of becoming a holistic inventory services provider, expanding our reach beyond the lanes and providing value-added, end-to-end services for our clients.”
Backed by more than 27 years of experience working with Cox Automotive and several of its brands, in his new position George returns to his remarketing roots. He began his career with the company as an auction employee and rose through the ranks at operating locations to become marketing manager, general sales manager and assistant general manager. Later George joined Manheim’s executive team, becoming senior vice president of Product Development, as well as group vice president of Manheim Digital.
Most recently, George served as senior vice president and chief strategy officer for Cox Automotive. Earlier in his career as vice president of Dealer Services, Chief Product Officer and senior vice president of Operations, he helped launch Autotrader.com and held several leadership positions with Autotrader’s parent company, including president, Cox AutoTrader/AutoMart Publishing.
“I’m excited to help shape Cox Automotive’s remarketing strategy, especially at a time when the company is focused on reimagining the used car marketplace and improving the client experience,” said George. “My goal is to help broaden our services and deliver added value to our clients and our company.”
George holds Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degrees from The Ohio State University. He is an active community volunteer, supporting St. Vincent de Paul Society, Marist Way and serving as chairman of the board of trustees for Notre Dame Academy.
About Manheim North America
Manheim® is North America’s leading provider of vehicle remarketing services, connecting buyers and sellers to the largest wholesale used vehicle marketplace and most extensive auction network. Through its 115 physical, digital and mobile auction sales, the company helps dealer and commercial clients achieve business results by providing innovative end-to-end inventory solutions. Approximately 18,000 employees enable Manheim to register about 7.5 million used vehicles per year, facilitate transactions representing nearly $50 billion in value and generate annual revenues of more than $2.6 billion. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim North America is a Cox Automotive™ brand. For more information, visit http://press.manheim.com.