DEARBORN, Mich. — Digital marketing solutions provider ChannelNet announced three executive appointments, naming Chris Sims as CTO, Joe Karle as vice president of account management for the Midwest United States and Canada, and K.C. Loughlin as vice president of dealer sales and service for the U.S. and Canada.

Sims was promoted from chief software architect to oversee development and technology trends related to ChannelNet’s Sitebuilder platform. He is also responsible for working with clients and their technical staff on integrations, system goals and planning. His technical experience covers software architecture and design patterns for web-based and mobile software technology, web API, mobile applications and responsive web design.

Karle is responsible for the leadership and success of ChannelNet’s overall client relationships in the Midwest and Canada. Joe is charged with establishing and managing client relationships, strategic account planning and the overall success of our digital solutions for clients. His accounts include Ally Financial Inc., Hyundai Capital America Canada, Harley-Davidson Financial Services and the UAW Benefit Trust.

“We are happy to congratulate Chris Sims on his promotion and pleased to welcome Joe Karle to the team,” said ChannelNet’s founder and CEO, Paula Tompkins. “It has been another year of growth for ChannelNet. There is no doubt that Chris and Joe will contribute to our continued success and innovation in 2017.”

A 30-year automotive industry veteran, Loughlin’s career has included leadership roles in the parts, service and used-car inventory management segments. He has worked for Dealertrack and most recently, DealerSocket. He will lead ChannelNet’s new direct-to-dealer customer retention product.

“We are confident in K.C.’s abilities to lead our new offering, which will fill the gaps in current customer relationship management (CRM) systems for dealers. Most of today’s CRM solutions focus on pre-sale versus post-sale efforts,” Tompkins said. “Our unique solution will help dealers increase their profitability and loyalty as well as provide low-cost leads from existing customers.”

In a separate organizational move, Greg Lesko was named senior project manager. Lesko works with ChannelNet customers and the company’s internal creative, usability and technical teams to manage the launch and ongoing enhancements of customer lifecycle solutions. He has more than 10 years of experience in delivering global initiatives for Hewlett Packard Enterprise, General Motors, Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and Ally Bank.