Cox Promotes Hayes to CEO
Cox Enterprises has promoted Jimmy W. Hayes to CEO, effective Jan. 1. James C. Kennedy is stepping down as CEO, but will remain chairman of the company and chairman of the executive committee of the board.
As chief executive, Hayes will oversee Cox Communications, Manheim Auctions, Cox Media Group and Cox Auto Trader and several corporate headquarters groups, including financial operations, human resources, administration and business development. He also serves as a member on boards of Cox Enterprises, Inc. and of Cox Radio, Inc.
“I have been the CEO of Cox Enterprises for 20 years and I feel that is long enough,” said Kennedy in a statement. “Jimmy Hayes has earned the opportunity to be CEO of this company and in these difficult times, Jimmy’s skills and experience are perfectly suited for the job. As chairman, I am not going anywhere. I will still be around to provide Jimmy all the support that I can.”
Hayes joined Cox Enterprises after having spent 16 years of his career in various leadership roles at Cox Communications, Inc. He most recently served as its executive vice president of finance and CFO. Hayes began his career at Cox in 1980, and in 1982 was named a corporate officer.
Cox Enterprises is a media company. Its Cox Newspapers, Inc. unit offers newspapers, local and national direct mail advertising. Cox Television provides television and television sales rep firms, and Cox Radio, Inc. runs broadcast radio stations and interactive Web sites. Additionally, Cox Communications provides cable television distribution, telephone, high-speed Internet access, commercial telecommunications, advertising solutions and the Travel Channel. The company also offers a variety of automotive-related products and services.
