CHICAGO — Dealership digital marketing provider LotLinx has named John Gottschalk as its senior vice president of client relationships. Gottschalk was previously senior vice president of dealer relations and business development at FordDirect, a turnkey digital marketing solution and joint venture between Ford Motor Company and its franchised dealers.

An expert in client engagement with nearly 20 years’ experience in automotive retail and digital marketing, Gottschalk was key to expanding FordDirect’s online initiatives. During his tenure, he oversaw a variety of digital marketing services and helped create a comprehensive web presence for dealers to digitally update their existing practices.

Gottschalk has been brought on to help manage and develop impactful communications with dealers and create new enterprise strategies and solutions for LotLinx, according to the company’s president, Eric Brown.

“John has a deep understanding of the industry and a strong track record of delivering innovative solutions which accelerate inventory turn,” Brown said. “John has worked directly with the country’s top dealers, manufacturers, agencies [and] vendors and is highly respected by all. We’re excited to add someone of his caliber to the team.”