Three Cox Automotive Leaders Recognized Among Top 100 Women in the Auto Industry
In a remarkable accomplishment, three prominent leaders from Cox Automotive have been honored in the exclusive list of the 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry by Automotive News. Grace Huang, who serves as the president of Inventory Solutions, Marianne Johnson, the executive vice president and chief product officer, and Lori Wittman, the president of Retail Solutions, have all made significant strides within the automotive sector, setting excellent examples of leadership and innovation.
The acknowledgment from Automotive News, which annually highlights the most influential female figures in the automotive industry, shines a light on women making impactful decisions and driving change in their respective companies. This year’s recognition is particularly special as it celebrates the prowess of female leaders in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The announcement was made in the May 19 issue of Automotive News, and a gala event was organized to honor these leaders in Dearborn, Michigan.
Mary Beth Vander Schaaf, the senior director of editorial operations at Automotive News, expressed pride in the achievements of women in the industry. “Over the last 25 years, we’ve recognized a total of 442 executives through six lists of Leading Women,” she explained. This year’s class includes not just female executives but also engineers, mobility leaders, manufacturing and marketing experts, financiers, and designers.
Cox Automotive President Steve Rowley praised the trio for their exceptional contributions: “We’re honored to have three outstanding leaders on this list, reflecting the significant influence of many women at Cox Automotive.” Highlighting Huang and Wittman as two-time honorees, he emphasized their commitment and vision that shape the future of the automotive landscape.
Grace Huang's Vision for a Seamless Marketplace
As president of the Inventory Solutions group, Grace Huang oversees significant operations, including the renowned Manheim marketplace that stands as the largest wholesale vehicle marketplace in the nation. Under her leadership, Manheim is undergoing transformative changes aimed at integrating digital and physical marketplaces seamlessly. Grace is not just leading the transformation of sales platforms but also focusing on innovations in mobility, AI, vehicle imaging, and the health of electric vehicle batteries.
Among her prestigious accolades is the '2022 Distinguished Women Award' from Northwood University and recognition in Automotive News’ 2020 list of Leading Women. Further, Grace is actively involved in community service, having launched a vital capital campaign during her time as chair of the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities board.
Marianne Johnson: Driving Technological Innovations
Marianne Johnson, a pivotal force at Cox Automotive, serves as executive vice president and chief product officer, where she is responsible for steering the product, engineering, data, security, and technology teams. Her leadership shone as she spearheaded a significant transformation of Cox Automotive towards a cloud-native and data-first operational model.
Her contributions to product innovation have driven sustainable growth and client opportunities. Johnson’s emphasis on community extends to her role as co-chair of Cox's employee resource group, "Empow[HER]." Recognized as one of the top Chief Product Officers in 2024 by Products That Count, she also supports initiatives like the United Way and Women in Technology.
Lori Wittman: Building Robust Retail Solutions
As the president of Retail Solutions, Lori Wittman oversees an impressive portfolio, including industry leaders like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book. Her strategic approach emphasizes utilizing data to create retail connections and improve sustainable practices in the industry. Wittman has also been recognized multiple times for her contributions, including a recent honor from the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Moreover, her community engagement is notable. voluntering her time with various organizations, including the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, shows her commitment to giving back. Additionally, she sponsors Momentum, an early professionals group encouraging growth and mentorship.
The recognition of these three women represents not just their individual accomplishments but the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, where diversity and leadership go hand in hand. As they continue to inspire and drive progress, Cox Automotive remains at the forefront of this change, proving that the future is truly female in automotive leadership.