ATLANTA — Cox Automotive, in order to further build and strengthen its leadership team, has promoted Rock Anderson to senior vice president and chief people officer, effective immediately.

Anderson was previously Manheim’s regional vice president of West Regional Operations. Barry Roop, Manheim’s market vice president for the Texas Market, will assume Anderson’s previous role. 

“Cox Automotive’s goal is to leverage the deep experience and diverse skills of our current leadership to build the best workforce in the industry,” said Sandy Schwartz, president of Cox Automotive. “Rock’s knowledge of our culture and his approachable style will be assets, as we find new and better ways to engage employees in delivering added value to our customers. Barry’s broad operational experience of more than 40 years in the auto industry and his success in leading teams and driving results will be invaluable to us in this role.”  

In his new role, Anderson will lead a team of more than 24,000 employees in 11 countries. He will be responsible for all human resources functions for Cox Automotive and for developing strategies that help customers take advantage of the diverse talent, experience and skills that reside in the many businesses, officials said.

Prior to this assignment, Anderson was responsible for leading Manheim’s 33 operating locations in the western half of the United States. Anderson is a member of Manheim’s executive team and previously led the company’s global people strategy with responsibility for all human resources functions, including providing oversight for corporate and field operations, security and employment practices. Anderson, who is affiliated with many academic, professional and community organizations, was named one of Atlanta Business League’s “Men of Influence” in 2013.  He will report to Sandy Schwartz.

As regional vice president of West Regional Operations, Roop will lead strategy, operations and a team consisting of more than 5,500 employees. Roop has served as Manheim’s Texas Market vice president since 2011, after serving as general manager of Manheim Dallas (formerly Dallas Auto Auction) for almost 30 years. He brings more than 40 years of experience in the auto and remarketing industry to his new role.

Throughout his successful career, Roop has held various leadership roles, including new car manager and finance manager at a large franchised dealership in Tulsa, Okla., in addition to assistant general manager and general manager at Dallas Auto Auction. Roop is a past national President of NAAA and co-founder and past president of the Texas Wholesale Auto Auction Association. Roop will report to Janet Barnard, COO for Manheim North America.