NEW YORK -
On Thursday, AOL Advertising announced it has named an industry practice head for the automotive category.
 
The new automotive head will be responsible for partnering with sales leadership to execute a national strategy, in addition to playing an active role in generating new business. She will also represent AOL at industry events providing insights and trends in the industry. She will be based in the Detroit office.
 
Taking on this position is Julia Edvardsson.
 
Five industry practice heads, including CPG/health, travel, automotive, finance and entertainment, were announced Thursday as part of the newly formed industry development team led by John Burke. Burke joined AOL earlier this year. 
 
Technology and retail industry practice heads will be named within the next month, according to the company.
 
“The industry development team is the next evolution of our strategy to be the most customer-centric sales team in the marketplace,” said Burke, senior vice president of global sales strategy. “The industry practice head brings domain expertise, strategic vision and significant client experience in their respective categories.”
 
Burke continued, “Julia Edvardsson’s passion for the automotive industry makes her the perfect person to build out AOL’s automotive strategy. Her deep ties to the Detroit area and extensive network of industry contacts will ensure AOL’s future success in this key industry.”
 
Edvardsson joined AOL in 2004 as director of client services in Detroit, overseeing the team responsible for managing large-scale integrated programs across AOL. For the past four years, she led strategy and sales development efforts on behalf of AOL’s top automotive clients.
 
Prior to joining AOL, Edvardsson worked for American Express in multiple online marketing roles, as well as Prudential Investments, where she managed institutional bond portfolios.
 
“I am honored to be recognized as a leader in the automotive space, and excited to take on this leadership position at AOL,” said Edvardsson. “We are devoted to creating innovative, strategic platforms, products and solutions for marketers and my in-depth experience and client relationships will help me thrive in this new role.”