Cox Automotive Australia has made two senior appointments as chief executive Gary Martin departs.
Rob Whiten, formerly Manheim national retail director, has been appointed to replace Martin as chief executive of Cox Automotive Australia-New Zealand, overseeing Manheim, Dealer Solutions, CarsGuide and AutoTrader, and Xtime businesses.
The open position for Manheim Australia New Zealand has been filled by Charles Cumming, previously director of operations at Manheim, starting with the automotive auction giant in 2001.
Cumming’s previous roles as general manager of both Queensland and northern operations, makes him ideal for the job, Cox Automotive International president John Bailey says.
“Charles’ objective for Manheim is to become a leader in all of our segments and to fast track changes throughout our network with a singular focus and speed the market requires,” he says.
“With constant changes in technology and competition, our customers rightfully expect more from us each and every day. Accordingly, under Charles’ leadership, the Manheim business will adopt an operationally customer focused management structure to deliver customer service enhancements on a national basis,” Bailey adds.
Bailey says the appointment of Rob Whiten adds gravitas to the local Cox business.
“Rob has excellent credentials gained over an extensive and highly successful career in the automotive and other commercial industries,” he says.
“In recent times, he spent three years as chief operating officer for Tynan Motors located in Southern Sydney with 16 brands and seven locations and immediately prior spent four years as managing director for Inchcape Automotive Retail – a $600 million auto retail business,” Bailey explains.
“The changes announced today are significant steps in positioning Cox Automotive Australia and New Zealand as the principal solutions provider to our clients at every stage of the vehicle lifecycle,” Bailey concludes.
“For our ongoing success, it is imperative we have a strong and focused leadership structure which I am confident we have established with today’s appointments.”
A statement issued by Cox Automotive says Gary Martin leaves the role as chief executive, “to pursue other interests.”
Join the conversation