ATLANTA — Cox Automotive this week announced two executive promotions. Rock Anderson Jr. has been promoted to executive vice president of people strategies and John Kovac has been promoted to executive vice president and CMO.

In his new role, Kovac — who has been with the company for 17 years — will oversee all facets of Cox Automotive marketing globally. He will also focus on continuing the domestic and international development of the Cox Automotive brand.

“John is known for his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach,” said Sandy Schwartz, president of Cox Automotive. “His vision is the driving force behind our global marketing strategy, which will become increasingly important as Cox Automotive provides our clients with integrated solutions.”

Since Cox Automotive was launched in 2014, Kovac has served as the firm's senior vice president of marketing. He was also one of the founding employees of Autotrader.com, where he played a vital role in the development of the brand.

Before his promotion, Anderson served as the senior vice president and chief human resources officer. Under his leadership, the company added, Cox Automotive’s people strategies team has attracted and nurtured top talent. According to the company, Anderson Jr. has been instrumental in developing and deploying forward-thinking polices that empower Cox Automotive’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Before Cox Automotive was formed, Anderson was the regional vice president for auction operations in the western U.S. and vice president of people strategies at Manheim.

“Cox Automotive fosters a client-obsessed culture that requires industry-leading talent, and Rock continues to deliver the global strategies and people that are integral to our continued business success,” Schwartz said. “I look forward to Rock’s ongoing leadership as we continue to be an automotive industry leader and further evolve Cox Automotive into a destination employer.”